Peres in Cairo
Photo: Reuters
"It was a unique opportunity. There is a sense that a window of opportunity has been opened," said President Shimon Peres on
Tuesday after meeting with Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak.
In a conversation with journalists in Cairo, Peres was very optimistic. "Mubarak does not want to leave behind a confused Middle East. We did not waste time or gossip during the meeting, but spoke on a truly historical level."
Regional Diplomacy
After Israeli president says Syria can't expect to get disputed region on a silver platter, Muallem tells joint press conference with German counterpart that Israel must cede land without preconditions; Steinmeier: Rein in 'destructive' Mideast elements
Peres based most of his positive outlook on Iranian influence in the region. "Iran has divided the Arab world. They don't want Iran to take over, but want regional peace in all seriousness. They see Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas as concrete threats to their situation. President Mubarak sees the situation as an opportunity. He is a serious person who is ready to get on board now," explained Peres.
When asked by Ynet whether the Arab states could provide real value for Israel within the framework of regional peace, Peres said, "Under certain conditions, they could go some distance."
Peres added, "We are speaking of two parallel tracks – the Palestinian track and the regional track. These are compelling ideas that he will examine."
Peres' vision dovetails with what Mubarak said in the press conference. "The declarations being made by one side are only tactical. Let's sit around the negotiating table, where we will be realistic and will reach a realistic solution," said Mubarak.
It seems as though the two statesmen were hinting that their meeting was a working one, and not merely a formal one.
President Peres apparently held two work meetings – one with Mubarak, and one with Egyptian Intelligence Chief General Omar Suleiman. During the meetings, the two sides explored whether there is common ground for initiating peace talks.
The two sides discussed the details of the Arab Peace Initiative to see what Israel and what the Arab states could do in order to jumpstart a regional peace process.
Peres reported to Mubarak on the easements Israel has instituted at West Bank checkpoints, and on plans to remove outposts. Mubarak emphasized during the meeting that progress should be made quickly, and that the two sides should not get hung up on the details.
The issue of returning captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit also came up during the meeting.
Mubarak said at the end of the meeting, "I believe that Gilad Shalit is alive and well, and hope that this issue will be concluded within a short time." He added that efforts are being made behind the scenes on this issue.