Egyptian President Blasts Israel, Still Seeks Peace

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, April 25, 2002

Egyptian President Blasts Israel, Still Seeks Peace

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Israel's incursion into the Palestinian territories were labed "barbaric" by Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday, but he said Egypt will press ahead with its "pioneering role" in peacemaking.

In a tough statement by a top U.S. ally in the region and a key moderate in the peace process with Israel, Mubarak also accused Israel of trying to cover up "despicable crimes" in the Jenin refugee camp, scene of a destructive battle between Israeli troops and Palestinians.

The Egyptian leader delivered the address, aired nationwide on state-run television, to mark the 20th anniversary of the completion of the return of the Sinai peninsula. The territory, seized by Israel in 1967, was restored to Egypt under the countries' 1979 peace deal, the first between Israel and an Arab nation.

Since Israel launched its offensive into West Bank cities last month, protesters in Egypt and other Arab nations have demanded Mubarak sever relations with Israel. Some even called for waging a war to defend the Palestinians.

In his 15-minute speech, Mubarak called on his people and fellow Arabs to demonstrate "wisdom and reason" and pledged Egypt would work with "all peace loving forces to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace."

But he sharply criticized Israel's incursion.

"What is going on now, such as the reoccupation of the Palestinian territories and the despicable siege of the democratically elected Palestinian leadership is a barbaric and premeditated aggression," Mubarak said.

"This is sheer violation of all international laws and norms which reveals the lack of a clear vision of peace by this Israeli government which believes that only military power can implement ... security and stability," he said.

Mubarak also criticized Israel for its siege of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem and refusing to allow international aid agencies into the Jenin refugee camp.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Obeid told a Qatari newspaper that Egypt will not go to war with Israel over the current standoff between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

"Egypt can defend itself but the Egyptian army will not move outside our border. War will never happen ... forget it," he told Doha's major newspaper Al Watan.

He cited financial constraints, among other factors, as preventing Egypt from any war. "Make the Arab world put $100 billion of the Arab funds available around the world" into a fund and offer it to Egypt, he said.

He did not say Egypt would go to war if given the money, but added that if it were offered, "your calculations change."

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