Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher has denounced Israel's provocation of the Palestinians with the aim of rendering the US initiative a failure, describing such provocations as a “despicable game played by Israel,” the Arabic News reported Monday.
Maher, who left for Washington on four-day visit, said in statements that “Israel's policies pose a grave threat against it.”
He said, “Security will not be realized except with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty over the lands occupied in 1967.”
Outlining the vision of US President George W. Bush's administration, US Secretary of State Colin Powell's recent policy address urged the Palestinians to stop "violence" and Israel to stop settling on and occupying Palestinian land.
Egypt supports proposals in Powell's policy speech, but Maher has said that Israeli actions, in particular the assassination of Palestinian activists, constitute an "open challenge" to the US initiative.
The Egyptian visit came, as a diplomatic effort to avoid Iraq from any possible attack by the US.
Maher left Egypt the next day after Bush had hinted that Iraq might be the next target in the US-led war on terrorism.
Maher warned US from using force against Iraq or any other Arab country, describing such a step would be a serious mistake.
He said using force against Iraq would not solve the problem and would detract from solidarity.
Maher asserted in his statements from Washington that "there should not be an attack on Arab countries. ... There should be no attempt to enforce things that are not contained in resolutions of the (UN) Security Council."
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Thursday he backed the US initiative but insisted it must be followed up by action - Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
