Mubarak: I understand evacuees' pain
In an exclusive interview to Yedioth Aharonot, Egyptian president sympathizes with settlers, but warns against turning Gaza into a 'huge prison'
In an exclusive interview to newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said he empathized with Gaza Strip settlers’ pain, but warned Israel against turning Gaza into what he called a "large prison."
Meeting with former Prime Minister Ehud Barak at the presidential palace in Cairo on Tuesday, Mubarak said, “Sometimes you need to move out of your home even when you would rather stay. I completely understand how difficult it is to pack up and move away from home.”
He added, “I also know no one enjoys spending money on a new house. Sometimes, circumstances make it a necessity.”
Warning to Israel
Despite his sympathy, Mubarak advised Israel to make sure Palestinians in Gaza have jobs after the pullout.
“Don’t make the mistake of stifling Gaza. Beware of turning Gaza into a huge prison; give jobs to the Palestinians," he said.
But Barak rejected the notion that Gazans would continue to work in Israel after disengagement.
“If we open Gaza it will turn into a crossing point for terrorists and weapons," he said. "Gaza must be closely monitored."
The Egyptian President complimented PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and called Israel to do “much more” to assist Abbas."
“Abbas’ control of the situation is tighter than I expected,” Mubarak said, “yet he needs Israel’s support. Improving the economic conditions of Gaza’s poor will help Abbas."
'Hamas must be integrated into politics'
Barak, however, expressed his doubts: “Publicly accepting assistance from Israel might weaken Abbas.”
Four years have passed since Barak and Mubarak last met during a conference in Sharm el-Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. At the time, the relationship was strained: Egyptian security guards confiscated Barak’s cell phone and officials refused to fly the Israeli flag and assigned the Israeli delegation a small chamber.
Tuesday, at the palace’s “Wing of Peace,” Mubarak was warm and optimistic: “I see an improvement in Israel - Egypt relationship daily.”
“Hamas must be handled like Hizbullah was,” Mubarak told Barak after the latter discussed Israelis’ apprehension of a resumption of Hamas’ terror activity post disengagement.
“Hamas leaders should gradually be integrated into politics; leaders into parliament members. Let them become orators instead of trouble makers,” Mubarak responded.
During the session, Barak, who was accompanied by MKs Danny Yatom and Colette Avital, enjoyed a meal of traditional Egyptian dishes.
