Egypt's Moussa looks back at 1997

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that 1997 was not a positive year for either the peace process or the whole region where many strains have developed due to the loss of credibility in the peace process that are the results of Israeli policy.

Moussa said that this year witnessed other strains due to the Iraqi crisis, the Gulf situation and the escalation of terrorism, adding that all of these strains did not prevent positive actions from taking place such as the Arab coherence in confronting these strains, be it the deterioration of peace process or military alliances. He noted progress in the Somali reconciliation, and the beginnings of the establishment of normal relations in the whole region.

He referred to the positive economic progress in Egypt adding that Egyptian diplomatic and external policy accomplished a great achievement in 1997 by becoming a member of the economic cooperation organization for east and south African countries known as the "Romisa" association.

Moussa said the Egyptian - Sudanese relations calmed down in 1997, and he hoped that the progress will continue in 1998.

Moussa also agreed with the British foreign minister's comments about the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state, saying to establish a state not just in form or name on scattered pieces of land or incoherent people but it had to be based on all the security guarantees for both Palestinian and Israeli sides, adding that consideration must be given to the content of the state and not just its form.

Finally he expressed his hope that in 1998 the peace process can be released from its shackles, emphasizing the establishment of a comprehensive peace including the return of the occupied territories, the Palestinian people's rights, the Jerusalem issue and the security for all including Israel.