Barak with Suleiman in Jerusalem
Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry
Barak meets Suleiman in Jerusalem
'Egypt is central factor in regional processes, stability,' defense minister tells intelligence chief
Egyptian Intelligence chief Omar Suleiman met Wednesday with Defense Minister Ehud Barak in order to discuss political and security issues.
The two met in Jerusalem and discussed the case of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit among other issues, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The meeting with Barak was first in a list of conferences Suleiman plans to hold in Israel. Later in the day he plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
Barak and Suleiman also discussed Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. During the meeting Barak told the Egyptian minister, "The relationship between Israel and Egypt is strategically important. Israel sees Egypt as a central factor in regional processes, agreements, cooperation, and stability."
Netanyahu's Security Cabinet met for the first time just prior to Barak and Suleiman's meeting, but did not discuss the case of Shalit. After the meeting the foreign minister said that a statement he had made against the Arab peace initiative was intended to criticize the right of return mentioned in the proposal.
"This is an issue on which everyone agrees, the government and the public," Lieberman said after the meeting with Netanyahu and Barak. The defense minister has expressed support for the Arab initiative while Lieberman has expressed adamant objection.
