Apr.  23, 2001

Sharon, to blame for deterioration of situation

    In an interview with the German Magazine ``Der Spiegel``, to be published on Monday, Mubarak said that Sharon could have assuaged Palestinian anger, triggered by him, if he had halted acts of aggression against the Palestinians.

"The US has large interests in the Arab world," said Mubarak.

    He slammed all claims that Egypt smuggled weapons to the Palestinians describing them as ``nonsense``.

    Asked whether he believed Sharon could one day launch an attack Egypt, Mubarak said the sudden attack in 1967 would never happen again as the Egyptian armed forces are well prepared to defend their homeland. But Egypt does not seek any war or conflict but rather peace, he added.

    Mubarak said that he does not know what Sharon wants but noted that negotiations would be meaningless unless they were based on previously-reached agreements as Israel controls 80 percent of the West Bank territories and all facts proved Israel has been violating international law.

    The Egyptian President voiced disbelief that a war could broke out in the region but said that terrorism and violence are much more badly than war.

    "Terrorism and violence could take place anywhere and anytime," said Mubarak. He added that violence could never solve any issues.

    Mubarak underlined that there is no other alternative to peace, and Israel should realize that violence would not bring in peace.

    "If Israel attempts to get rid of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, it will be criminal and its consequences can never be anticipated and would eventually lead to a bloody regional disaster," said Mubarak.

    Mubarak described German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as friend and termed ties between Egypt and Germany as excellent.

    Asked whether it is wise to terminate the Intifada now, as Israel does not want to negotiate under violence, Mubarak said that it would not be that easy.

    "The Palestinians do not take to the streets for fun but in an expression of their despair and disappointment of failed promises and their aspirations for more freedom and better living conditions," said Mubarak.

    Asked about an Israeli accusation of not pressing Arafat, Mubarak said that he was asked to put pressure on the Palestinian leadership to give concessions that the Palestinians could never accept.

    Mubarak said that he was warned of Sharon but he urged to giving the Israeli Prime Minister ample time.

    The Egyptian President said that he has an impression that Sharon uses violence to force the Palestinians to accept his asked scenarios.

    Whether the Oslo accords are over, Mubarak said that Sharon had told the Israelis and Palestinians so.

    Mubarak described Arafat as the most popular Palestinian figure and stressed that any attempt on his life would lead to a disaster.

    The Egyptian President said that he would discuss the surge of violence in the Middle East during his anticipated talks with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.