New Egyptian ambassador: sign of peace

Egypt’s new ambassador to Israel, Muhammed Assem Ibrahim, arrived in Tel Aviv Thursday morning, marking the end of an Egyptian protest of more than three years.

Former Ambassador Mohammed Bassouni was recalled to Cairo in late 2000 to protest IDF actions at the start of the intifada.

Assem, 60, has a BA degree in economics and political science from Cairo University. He speaks English, French and German, and is considered a

close confidant of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

During a highly-regarded diplomatic career, he has held posts in the Egyptian embassies in Kenya and Ethiopia, and worked in the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv under former Ambassador Bassouni. His most recent post was in Sudan.

Katzav to accept credentials

Assem said his presence in Israel is a sign of peace and Egypt’s desire to strengthen ties between the countries.

He added he hoped his presence would strengthen the peace process, and that Egypt would continue to act as a bridge between Israel and the Palestinians.

On Monday, Assem and incoming Jordanian ambassador, Dr. Maarof al-Bakhit, are set to present their credentials to President Moshe Katzav in a ceremony at the president’s official residence in Jerusalem.

Result of Sharm summit

Egypt announced plans to return an ambassador

to Israel during last month’s summit at Sharm al-Sheikh. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz finalized details during meetings last week with Egyptian officials in Cairo last week.

It was also agreed that 750 Egyptian soldiers would patrol the Philadelphi Route, in the southern Gaza Strip along the Egyptian border, to prevent weapons smuggling under into Gaza.

As part of the withdrawal, Israel and Egyptian forces will maintain security coordination. If Egypt is able to prevent weapons smuggling, the move could lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from the area.

The deployment of Egyptian Border Police along the strip will occur only after high-level military and political discussions.