Three-way Cairo summit warns against Judaizing Jerusalem

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, King Hussien of Jordan and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat discussed at a three-way summit in Cairo yesterday the stalled peace process in the Middle East.

The three leaders condemned the Israeli plan to expand the municipality of Jerusalem, calling for its immediate halt, as well as a halt to settlement procedures and confiscation of buildings. They called on Israel to abide by the Madrid conference terms of reference, UN resolutions calling for withdrawal from South Lebanon, Syria's Golan, and occupied Palestinian territories according to the land for peace principal.

The three leaders agreed to give an opportunity for the American initiative to advance the peace negotiations, which have been halted since March 1997, and called on the the U.S., Russia, the European Union and others to restore credibility to the peace process and exert pressure on Israel towards that end.

In a joint statement issued after the summit the three leaders confirmed their appreciation towards the stance of the European union committed to the UN resolutions. Within this framework, the Jordanian king and Palestinian president announced their support for the Egyptian - French initiative, which calls for convening an international conference to promote the peace process.

The three leaders also confirmed the continuation of efforts to set up an Arab summit to confront the challenges obstructing the achievment of just and comprehensive peace in Middle East.

In a joint press conference with Arafat and King Hussein, President Mubarak warned of the dangers of maneuvering and playing with the issue of Jerusalem, saying that it is "playing with fire," and adding that it is a very critical issue that this issue to remain a subject for discussion in the final stage of peace negotiations as stipulated in the Palestinian-Israeli Oslo accord. Mubarak said the leaders fear that violence could break out and that he hoped the Israeli government understands this.

The three leaders announced their opposition to the Judaization of Jerusalem, as King Hussien announced his absolute opposition to any change or exchange in Jerusalem.

Arafat said that the Palestinian people concern for Jerusalem, is shared by all Arabs, Moslems and the international community as a whole.