Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Photo: AFP
Netanyahu, presented 'positive light'
Photo: Reuters
Egyptian FM: Netanyahu presented positive views
Ahmed Aboul Gheit tells al-Arabiya network Israeli prime minister left good impression after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, also says Egypt will only join Non-Proliferation Treaty if Israel does
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left a good impression on Egyptian leaders, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told al-Arabiya network, saying that while Netanyahu's position is "old news", he presented it in a "positive light".
Netanyahu on Monday met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who also reported "constructive consultation" with the Israeli PM and praised "his government's commitment to moving towards peace."
In his interview, Aboul Gheit said Netanyahu promised Mubarak he would appoint a new envoy to lead talks in the matter of captive soldier Gilad Shalit. This position has been unmanned since previous envoy Ofer Dekel retired last month.
A number of candidates have been named to fill the position, but Netanyahu is yet to make a decision on the matter.
Like Mubarak, Aboul Gheit stressed the Egyptian president's demand that Netanyahu bring settlement construction to a halt. "The continuation of this activity will lead to the loss of Palestinian lands", he said.
In another interview to the Ruz al-Yusuf daily, the foreign minister reiterated Egypt's objection to signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and said it would only do so if Israel joined the treaty.
