In spite of the failure of the Mubarak initiative, Israel was determined to continue its efforts to infuse warmth into the cool peace with Egypt. In March an Egyptian delegation of 12 scientists visited Israel for talks with Israeli scientists. In April, Minister Ezer Weizman visited Cairo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Peres and had talks with President Mubarak and Egyptian ministers. While there were rumors about an impending Peres-Mubarak summit, not much happened apart from a decision to send to Cairo an Israeli team to discuss there the many contentious issues between Israel and Egypt. In the following interview, Mr. Shamir saw a long process in an effort to reach long term solutions. Text:
Mr. Shamir: The Israeli team that will meet with an Egyptian team will have to conduct a broad dialogue on all the contentious issues between us and Egypt. We of course are interested in reaching agreement on all topics in order to improve the relations between us and Egypt. If during these talks it emerges that a summit meeting is required and desired, such a meeting will take place.
Q: Do you foresee a summit meeting taking place in the near future?
A: It was just for that reason that we sent a team: To hold talks. It's my assessment that it will not be a very speedy or brief process, because there are many problems and each and every subject must be discussed, so as to try to arrive at a long-term solution. We of course are interested in reaching solutions. We want to see how the Egyptians will react, how they understand and how they view the solution to the various subjects which have thus far not been agreed upon between us and them. And I hope that after a certain time we shall be able to arrive at conclusions.
Q: What are the expectations from the forthcoming visit to Israel by Zaire President Mobutu, and are there prospects of establishing relations with additional African states?
A: The visit by President Mobutu is the first since we renewed relations with Zaire, therefore it is extremely important. This visit is a kind of station on the way to the tightening of relations between us and Zaire. It will provide a good opportunity for a discussion of the totality of interests of the two countries.