In September 1988, an international panel of arbitrators awarded Taba to Egypt. Israel insisted that prior to relinquishing the area, arrangements be made for Israeli access to Taba, the angle of the border-line, Egyptian compensation for the property left behind by Israel and compensation to families of seven Israelis killed in Ras Burka in 1985. Talks on the Taba issue began on 19 January 1989. Two days later they broke up when Egypt accused Israel of procrastination. Egypt was to regain Taba by 29 January. After this date passed, President Mubark termed Israel's behavior "repulsive." Through U.S. mediation the deadline was extended to 29 February. While Mr. Mubarak later sent a conciliatory note to Israel, Mr. Arens reacted to the affair by expressing the hope that the affair be resolved amicably and early. Text:
Q: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has told Israel that without a definite date for the transfer of Taba to Egyptian rule, it is unlikely that negotiations will continue. What is your reaction?
A: There was a period in Israeli-Egyptian relations when Egypt would give us ultimatums and make insulting statements. I believe that the Egyptians prefer to forget this period, as do we. Such things cannot contribute to good relations between the two countries. I believe that we are very close to a solution on the Taba issue, and a little good will on both sides on our part it definitely exists - will bring about an agreement which will satisfy both sides.
Q: President Mubarak claims that during the Taba affair Israel has maintained a style of procrastination and sophistry which will cause a rift between the two states. Do you agree with this accusation?
A: You know that I do not agree with this. We have sent the best of our people to these negotiations. We are devoting time, energy and brainpower to them, and if we find the same things on the part of the Egyptians, with the addition of good will on both sides, the issue will be concluded to the satisfaction of both sides.
Q: Since Israel has accepted the principle of the arbitration judgment, what is preventing it from returning the land and preventing the issue from becoming a stumbling block in the relations between the two countries?
A: Taba does not have to become a stumbling block for the two countries. On the contrary. I have heard from the Egyptians that they are interested in Taba being a symbol of good relations between Israel and Egypt. There are a number of things that must be finalized; they are not too complicated but neither are they extremely simple. This can be done, and I hope that it will be.
Q: Commentators have said that what is bothering President Mubarak more than anything else is the fact that Israel, despite its commitment to return the territory, has still not delineated with Egypt the final border. Is there a possibility that Israel will do so, and will complete the negotiations on compensation, after returning the territory?
A: All this has to be done in agreement. The Egyptians were the ones who demanded that the arbitrators be asked not about the location of the border but about the location of the border pillars, and consequently the final outline of the border from pillar 91 to the beach has not yet been finalized. These are issues which must be agreed upon during negotiations.
Q: Has the procrastination employed by both sides blown Tab a out of proportion in the relations between the two states?
A: I am very sorry. I have already told you there is absolutely no procrastination on our part. On the contrary, we are willing to do all that is necessary, to devote all the necessary time in order to conclude the affair as quickly as possible.