Mubarak: Israel ruining chance for peace
Egyptian president criticizes Israel's plan to 'populate Jerusalem with Jews'
President Mubarak said that Israel's policies destroy any chance for peace with the Palestinians. The Egyptian leader urged Israel to join the United States and Arab countries' efforts to end the conflict.
"I will use words that are not open to interpretation; Israel is destroying the opportunity for peace, with its plans to populate Jerusalem with Jews and excavate around the al-Aqsa mosque," he said.
"I say to the Israeli leadership – you are placing new obstacles in the way of peace, calling to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, and putting off the issue of Jerusalem by offering negotiations for a temporary Palestinian state.
"I call on the leaders of Israel: Stop your actions in the West Bank and remove the blockade on the (Gaza) Strip. Enough with your stubbornness and manipulations – accept the calls for peace."
Mubarak also called on the Palestinians to reconcile their differences, adding that Egypt will not give in to further extensions and will not agree to endlessly drag on its mediation efforts.
Warning Iran
Mubarak warned Iran "against involving itself in inter-Arab affairs". He said his country would not hesitate "to take steps against destabilization, which will defend Egypt's national security, which is tied to the security of the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean regions as well as the security of the entire Middle East".
Mubarak spoke a day ahead of a scheduled visit by President Shimon Peres. The two are slated to meet at the presidential palace in Cairo in order to work out kinks in the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Peres and Mubarak are said to be speaking on the phone daily since Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced recently that he would be resigning from politics.
Last Friday Peres met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and government officials in order to consult with them on Israel's position ahead of the Cairo meeting.
Mubarak and Peres will also discuss efforts to release captive soldier Gilad Shalit. A press conference will be held subsequently to the meeting, after which Peres is scheduled to attend a luncheon in the presence of top Egyptian officials.
On Saturday Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell regarding peace talks with the Palestinians.
Ronen Medzini contributed to this report
