Egypt's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Boutrus Ghali visited Jerusalem on 11-12 June. He was the first Egyptian minister to come to Israel since the beginning of the Intifadah. Egypt sought the role of a mediator in the region, mainly to act as a conduit between Israel and the PLO. For its part, Israel refused to talk to the PLO and asked Egypt to encourage Palestinians in the territories to participate in the elections and the peace process. By then, Egypt was re-admitted to the Arab League, having been expelled in 1978 after the signing of the Camp David Accords. Israel hoped that this would give Egypt greater voice in Arab affairs. Excerpts:
Mr. Arens: My impression is that Egypt is very keen on advancing the peace process, that it is interested in fulfilling a function in the promotion of the peace process. And this is where we start off with a common denominator: Israel is interested in promoting the peace process, perhaps more so than any other element. In my opinion Egypt, particularly President Mubarak, can play a unique role in promoting the process.
Q: What is your reaction to Egyptian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Boutros Ghali's proposal that Egypt mediate in the region, while he bears with him the message that Israel should conduct direct negotiations with the PLO?
A: As I told you before, he and I have not yet held a working meeting. It's difficult, therefore, for me to respond at this moment. If that indeed is the message he conveys, perhaps he bears other messages as well. Generally speaking, we believe that peace should be advanced through direct negotiations, and not via mediation. Then too, Israel considers that the PLO is the chief obstacle to promoting peace in the region. The PLO is conducting terrorism campaigns against the Palestinian populace of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. I think that at the moment, this is the main hinderance in the way of promoting peace.
Q: Do you believe that Egypt will take advantage of its position, after having returned to the Arab League's fold, to persuade other Arab countries to accept or to consider Israel's peace initiative?
A: I hope so, I believe so. The fact is that President Mubarak has returned to the Arab League - I think that he is reinstating Egypt in its traditional role as leader of the Arab world - without forgoing peace with Israel, despite the fact that this was demanded of him. That is why I hope there is a chance that they will not draw him away from peace, but that he will succeed in attracting them - or at least some of them - to make peace with Israel.