Mubarak. Break the ice
Photo: AP
Obama. Resume talks
Photo: AP
Finger pointed at Israel, again: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday blamed Israel
for the standstill in peace negotiations with the Palestinians. He said Israel's security depended on peace, not on military force or occupation.
"Egypt
is investing all of its efforts in putting an end to the Palestinian people's suffering, until the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," he said.
In a speech in honor of the Egyptian parliament's new session after a recent election, Mubarak urged the United States and the International Quartet to "take responsibility" and "break" the deadlock in the peace process.
No Talks
US proposals 'totally useless,' says negotiator after Palestinians tell Obama administration they refuse to resume negotiations with Israel without halt to settlement building
Mubarak added that a bid would soon be issued for the establishment of a nuclear power station in Egypt. He said his country's plan to advance the production of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes was part of its overall strategy on energy issues.
The supply of energy to Egypt, he said, "is a building block for the homeland's future and an inseparable part of Egypt's national security."
He added that Egypt's nuclear energy plan for peaceful purposes had turned into its overall energy strategy and an important foundation in its policy of diversifying energy sources. Mubarak said the reactor would be built in the Dabaa area.
"We continue implementing this plan unhesitatingly, while sticking to Egypt's firm rights, in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and expect to work with anyone fulfilling our interests on the highest levels of technology and nuclear safety."
'US-Turkey ties more important than ever'
US President Barack Obama also addressed Israel on Sunday. Speaking in an interview to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Obama said the relations between Washington and Ankara are "more important than ever", despite the differences of opinion over Iran.
"Our joint interests, our shared values, strengthen our relations – even when we disagree," the US president said.
He urged Turkey and Israel to improve their relations, as they were in the past. He lauded Turkey for helping Israel put out the Carmel wildfire, a move which led to talks between representatives of both countries.
"Turkey and Israel are both important allies of the United States. I encourage both countries to do all in their power to improve their relations," Obama said.
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