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Al-Ahram Weekly 31 August - 6 September 2000 Issue No. 497 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 31 August - 6 September 2000 Issue No. 497
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Timed to go off
By Mohamed Sobeih *
Clinton's visit to Cairo on his way back from Nigeria is a timely contribution to the peace process, as it highlights the increasingly intense diplomatic activity in the region.
It seems like an impassioned race indeed between the Arab-Palestinian and American-Israeli sides, with each delegation undertaking sweeping diplomatic tours, the first demanding an implementation of law and international resolutions, the second basing its claims on power, occupation and control.
The American president and his administration have blackmailed the Palestinians, brandishing the threat of hunger, withholding aid and laying siege to Palestinian land. Israeli settlements are being built as rapidly as ever, the Knesset has vetoed the return of any Palestinian land and fanatics attack Al-Aqsa Mosque, possibly giving rise to a sectarian war that will ravage the region. None of these developments can encourage peace of any kind.
The Palestinian people looks on in amazement as the American administration ignores the dictates of international law and democracy. All they can express is their profound disappointment at double standards and broken promises.
Our faith teaches us to respect all religions, which is why we have protected all that is sacred in Jerusalem. We cannot hand over control to people who consider that God made a mistake when He created the Sons of Ismail, and who would turn Jerusalem into a platform for sectarian rage and mindless violence.
* This week's Soapbox speaker is the PA's permanent representative to the Arab League.
