Javier Solana: role of President Mubarak extremely significant
Egypt-European Union, Politics, 6/1/2002

In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram, Javier Solana EU Political and Security Commissioner highlighted the pivotal role of Egypt and President Mubarak in the Middle East peace process, and termed the coming visit of President Mubarak to the USA as most significant. Excerpts:

* Timing is appropriate to restart the political dialogue.

*During my tour we'll focus on three axes in cooperation with the USA, Russia, the United Nations, and the leaders of the region especially Prescient Hosni Mubarak.

*The first axis is the security cooperation, and the restart of the security agencies in the Palestinian Authority (PA).

*We also want to cooperate in respect of the legitimacy of the PA, and the restoration of the infrastructure.

*The last axis is to restart the political or peace process.

*The Palestinian responsibly of the reform measures lies upon the people, and we are ready to help.

*The three axes, namely reforms, security and political process, should be carried out at the same time.

*When a Palestinian State is eventually declared, consequent to negotiations, it would be recognized by all parties and a new situation would be created.

*The international conference is a good idea, and the main purpose of my tour is to get familiar with the vision of concerned parties in respect of the proposed conference.

*The entire peace process was based on the Madrid formula "Land for Peace", and I believe that this formula is still valid as the principal terms of reference, in addition to Beirut ideas, and UN resolutions.

* I've recently read that Sharon wants to establish two States Israeli and Palestinian, and I think that such declaration is very important.

* I don't know what is going on in Sharon's mind, but dialogue with him should continue. However, I believe that the terrorist actions should be stopped, if we really want to create a proper atmosphere for dialogue and negotiations.