Apr.  17, 2001

Mubarak: Israeli escalation does not augur well
for peace in region

Commenting on the developments taking place in the region especially the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestinian territories, President Mubarak Tuesday made it clear that such Israeli policy will lead nowhere and its repercussions could be horrifying.

The President added that if Israelis believe that they could halt violence in this way, violence will be stepped up everywhere, emphasizing that he has repeatedly said this and is still reiterating it.

The President noted that while the Israeli government was being formed he said we should wait and see perhaps the new government may change its old strategies.

Events and developments have proved that "Lebanon Case" is being repeated though in a more horrible way, the President added.

All those events signal that neither peace nor stability are in store for the region, he said.

Asked to comment on recent statements and insinuations by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, on weapons being allegedly smuggled across the Egyptian borders, in a bid to drag Egypt into his recent series of provocations, President Mubarak replied, "I would like to tell him, "Enough is Enough". "Do not approach forbidden areas. You`ve struck the Syrian radar position and now you`re clam that Egypt is smuggling arms. I think all these acts are meant to pick up a fight. Where will this lead us? we don`t smuggle arms or any other thing.``

The President elaborated that one of Sharon`s advisers said Jordan was exerting efforts for peace and I welcome this. Our relations with Jordan are good. However, the adviser`s statements that Egypt was exerting less efforts are meant to drive a wedge between Egypt and Jordan, but will not work, said the President.

Egypt`s relations with Jordan and all other Arab countries are at their best, asserted the President.

"Let us seek stability," said Mubarak, adding, if this Israeli official wants to bring about peace and security for the Isreali people, this way will never lead to stability or security neither for Israelis nor for neighbouring peoples.

"I was reserved in my statements, but now the real picture is unfolding. He (Sharon) by design is trying to pick up a fight with every one around. I tell him clearly that the 1980s can not be repeated," the President said. "We withdrew our ambassador when Sharon was minister of defence. Our ambassador is now back in Cairo. We find ourselves unable to send him back once more, as Sharon's actions will never lead to stability and will never achieve peace and security neither for the Israeli people nor for the peoples of the region," he added.

In response to a question about how hopeful the President is that progress in the peace process could be achieved, he emphasized that he never despair, adding I call upon him (Sharon) to be realistic and pragmatic. "The use of force is an endeavor infidelity, on the contrary it would lead to more violence and will abort security deeply, and the Israeli people will suffer as well as all peoples of the region,' the President said.

The President asserted that “this is a certainly wrong policy”, adding that Egypt is trying its best to contain the situation.