Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday discussed the situation in the Middle East - including the increased strife among Palestinians - during a visit by Jordanian King Abdullah II in Cairo.
Following their meeting, both leaders called for self-restraint among Palestinian factions following fierce infighting in the Gaza Strip. "How could we call on [our foreign counterparts] to help push for peace, and risk being faced with their questions regarding what is currently happening in the Palestinian arena?" Mubarak asked and added, "Do these events pave the way for the reinstatement of the peace process?"
"The Palestinian internal fighting is a red line that must not be crossed," Mubarak said after he and Abdullah shared iftar, the sunset meal that breaks the daylight fast of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.
"It is not acceptable for such clashes to go on, especially at a time when a unified stance is urgently needed so that we can go back to the negotiations table," he added.
The two leaders told the press they believed the current situation could result in repercussions for the Palestinian people. "This point in time is critical in the history of the Palestinian cause," Mubarak said. "The Palestinians should have a unified voice, and should prove that there exists a Palestinian partner that could be negotiated with in the establishment of an independent and legitimate state."
