Statement on talks on Water Pollution between Israel- Egypt and Cyprus

Israel's efforts to become a party to talks involving economic development and environmental issues was bearing fruit. Talks with Egypt and Cyprus on water pollution, threatening the three nations, focused on research and preventive action as well as on financing these projects from outside sources. Text of the Environment Ministry statement follows:

Talks between Israel, Egypt and Cyprus, headed by Environment Ministry Director General Dr. Israel Peleg, began yesterday (Tuesday), 11.04.95. The objective of the talks is to initiate cooperation in cases of water pollution, anal to organize an efficient and prompt response to such incidents.

About $720,000 have been allocated for the project, not including equipment expenses; funding will come mostly from the European Community, with 2.8% coming from the Malta-based regional center for the exchange of information on water pollution. The project entails the development of a regional plan in the event of an emergency; the improvement of each country's separate defensive capabilities against water pollution and of the three countries together; the purchase of equipment and the formulation of training plans. The intention is to reach a capability for treating oil spills of up to 4,000 tons for Israel and 6,000 tons for Egypt, with a total capacity of 15,000 tons.

Peleg said that the peace process in the region and Israeli participation in the Organization of Mediterranean States has strengthened cooperation with Tunisia and Morocco and brought about the formulation of a regional development treaty involving all Mediterranean states.

During the talks, efforts will be made toward agreement on the official signing between the countries. Environment Minister Yossi Sarid will sign for Israel, at the meeting of environment ministers from Mediterranean states, to be held in June in Barcelona.