Mubarak, Chirac: cautious optimism toward peace

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has asserted that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and French President Jacques Chirac discussed during their meeting in Paris on Thursday issues relating to the Middle East peace process and the situation in the region and in the African continent.

In a statement to reporters following the meeting held between the two Presidents, Moussa said that Chirac and Mubarak expressed cautious optimism toward the Middle East peace process due to Israeli policy, the Israeli measures in building settlements and other practices.

He explained: "I cannot say we are optimistic toward the Middle East peace process, but I say I am optimistic over the possibility of resuming the Middle East peace. Yet, the way agreements are implemented, and the continued Israeli policy," all place pessimism marks on any detente.

Concerning the revival of the Syrian-Lebanese tracks Moussa added that implementation would open the door of confidence, because the "Syrian and Lebanese, if they will find themselves get involved in negotiations that they cannot get out or to have a signed agreement but without being implemented, they will not be encouraged to have confidence in the Israeli government."

Moussa expressed hope that the Palestinian and Israeli sides would reach an agreement through implementing what had been agreed upon in at Wye Plantation, especially when Israel's redeployment accounts for 13% of the occupied territories.

Concerning the Egyptian-French initiative, Moussa said: "It will not be moved just now. It is ready for movement at any needed time," noting that he will discuss this matter during his meeting with his French counterpart.