Lieberman promotes 2-state solution
Egyptian paper reports meeting between Foreign Minister, Intelligence Chief Suleiman; Egyptian sources say Lieberman was "incredibly moderate"
Israel's controversial foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, openly promoted the concept of two states for two people, London-based Egyptian newspaper al-Hayat reported on Saturday.
According to the paper, Lieberman was "incredibly moderate" during a meeting with Omar Suleiman, Egypt's Intelligence Chief. Suleiman visited Israel last week, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.
His meeting with Lieberman was kept secret in order to avoid making waves in Egypt, where many demanded that the foreign minister issue a formal apology for statements made about Egypt's government in the past.
Al-Hayat reported that the meeting was "successful and met its objectives." In this context, the newspaper reported that the Netanyahu government has set deepening ties with Egypt as one of its top priorities. One Egyptian source said that Netanyahu would visit Cairo after his return from Washington.
The paper quoted the source as saying that "Lieberman was incredibly moderate and spoke with Suleiman about the peace process and negotiations. He presented the two-state solution as a means to promote security, stability and peace in the region.
"Additionally, he emphasized the importance of economic development in the West Bank and Gaza," the source said.
Prisoner swap talks delayed
The source told al-Hayat that talks on a prisoner swap for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit are being delayed "until the new Israeli government will reassess the situation. They stated that they need time to study and discuss the options on the table. As such, there are no new ideas at this time and the topic is being postponed."
Regarding the connection to a ceasefire in Gaza, the Egyptian source was quoted as saying that the Israelis "are certain that issues related to the kidnapped soldier in Gaza, Gilad Shalit, must come prior to a ceasefire agreement between them and the Palestinians.
"As such, the issue (of a ceasefire) has also been delayed and what will happen for now is a mutual ceasefire or a cessation of fire in exchange for a cessation of fire, although there are no new ideas on the matter."
According to al-Hayat's report, Suleiman emphasized to his hosts in Israel that the Palestinian factions are currently holding their fire based on an understanding reached with the Egyptians on the need to show restraint at this time. He added, however, that he could not guarantee future quiet.
