Mubarak at Sharm summit
Photo: Reuters
Mubarak: Shalit talks to resume once calm returns to Gaza
In exclusive interview to Yedioth Ahronoth, Egyptian president says Egypt's security delegation will return to Strip after situation calms down. Mubarak estimates war unlikely to break out between Israel, Syria in summer
"Once things in Gaza calm down, we will send our security delegation back, and the negotiations for Shalit will be resumed," Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak told Yedioth Ahronoth reporter Smadar Peri Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview, Mubarak added that "there were rumors that Iran or Syria torpedoed the deal to release Shalit."
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The Egyptian leader stated he has "full confidence" in the promises of Israel's prime minister, and called for the release of jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti. "Barghouti's release would benefit everyone, not just the Palestinians," he said.
Mubarak said that Egypt has asked to increase the number of Egyptian soldiers on the Philadelphi Route in order to prevent smuggling, but that Israel has yet to respond. "Over the last year we blew up 68 tunnels," he added.
Referring to the possibility of an escalation on the Syrian border, Mubarak stated, "I don't see a war breaking out between Syria and Israel, tensions or problems may arise, but not a war. they are aware of their capabilities, and you perceive them correctly.
"Even after the war in Lebanon, Israel did not lose its deterrence capability, but you need better planning."
Mubarak also praised newly elected Labor head and defense minister Ehud Barak, saying he "has very good experience, he makes decisions only after thorough considerations, and has the flexibility others lack."
The president also congratulated President-elect Shimon Peres and wished him the best of luck in his new position. "Peres is a man of peace and has excellent ideas," he concluded.
The full interview will be published in Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday
