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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 April - 3 May 2000 Issue No. 479 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 April - 3 May 2000 Issue No. 479
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Special Features Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters The principles are the same
In his speech marking the 18th anniversary of Sinai's liberation, President Mubarak renewed his appeal for comprehensive peace in the Middle East, emphasising that we have no more time to waste. He pointed out that a great deal has been achieved already, and that the time has come for courageous decisions to put an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
While reaffirming this commitment to peace, however, he stressed that this goal cannot be attained without Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories. This applied to Sinai, and now applies to the West Bank, including Jerusalem, as well as Gaza, the Golan Heights and south Lebanon.
Israel's current attempts to isolate Syria with claims that the Palestinian track is now the priority cannot be helpful in reaching the goal of comprehensive peace. Any observer of the Middle East knows that, just as there can be no war without Egypt, there can be no peace without Syria.
What makes the Israeli claims even more difficult to swallow is the fact that the Palestinian people totally reject Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's suggestions for speeding up the Palestinian track. Furthermore, the premise that increased US involvement in upcoming talks between Israel and Palestinians will help bring about a deal cannot be taken for granted either. US President Bill Clinton was personally involved in brokering the Wye River deal between Yasser Arafat and Binyamin Netanyahu; but after the deal was reached, nothing was implemented and Washington refused to put any pressure on Israel. With presidential and Congress elections due in a few months, US officials cannot be expected to say anything of much significance against Israel.
Thus, despite all the positive words Barak has been mouthing about Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon and a deal with the Palestinians, the Arabs are not optimistic as to a genuine breakthrough. The main reason for this caution is Barak's refusal to announce his commitment to the main principles of the Middle East peace process: land for peace, or full withdrawal from Arab territories in return for full security for Israel.
