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Al-Ahram Weekly 25 February - 3 March 1999 Issue No. 418 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 25 February - 3 March 1999 Issue No. 418
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Banking on Europe
President Mubarak went to Europe this week as a representative of all the Arabs, bearing with him their concerns and apprehensions at this extremely critical time.Nearly all the parties to the Middle East peace process now agree that right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who has efficiently and ruthlessly killed all hopes of progress toward a settlement, will not suddenly wake up and smell the coffee before the Israeli elections on 17 May. All those interested in peace, therefore, have a two-fold mission at this stage. First, they must make it impossible for Netanyahu to stir up another confrontation allowing him to pose domestically as Israel's strong man, ready to use unlimited force to protect his country's illusion of security. Second, they must make sure that serious negotiations begin immediately after the Israeli elections, particularly on the Palestinian track.
These negotiations must result in the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, a legitimate and indispensable Palestinian right.
A brief delay will not be a disaster as long as the terms of the final settlement are agreed upon by the key parties in the process. Europe is definitely one of these. But Europe, which played such a crucial role in creating the conflicts that continue to tear the region apart, is only willing to contribute cash to peace efforts.
Despite its vocal support for peace, Europe remains unwilling to play a political role by putting pressure on Israel, which continues to prepare new blood bath in occupied Arab territories in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.
Hopefully, President Mubarak's visit to Italy and Germany this week will herald the intensification of Europe's economic and political involvement. Certainly, European leaders are aware of the great benefits they will reap on many levels by helping to achieve a comprehensive peace, while the Arabs, who have always regarded Europe as the party most capable of understanding their concerns and legitimate demands, will definitely appreciate a more active European role.
