El-Baz: Egypt expects new US peace initiative

The Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, said that Cairo expects the U.S. to announce a new peace initiative on August 10.

In press statements today, El-Baz added that this is the last chance for the US principles to rescue the peace process. The U.S. aimed at maintaining the security of Israel through these principles while stabilizing security and peace in the region as well, he said.

Concerning the importance of the U.S. placing more effective pressure on the Israeli government, El-Baz said that the U.S. has to increase its pressure on Israel, stating: "We greatly appreciate the stance of the American administration" and its efforts, but that more pressure is needed, when the US cannot in reality practice such pressure on Israel. El-Baz urged the US to take a tougher stand towards Israel. El-Baz said that the US administration must not leave Israel in control of the fate of the Middle East peace process by abrogating principles on the grounds of which Madrid peace conference of 1991 was initiated.

El-Baz added that after the US administration reached a deadlock in its efforts, it is impossible to leave the US alone in confronting Israel, but it is logical to activate the Egyptian - French principles referring to the recent proposal by Egyptian President Mubarak and Chirac.