EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT PUBLIC LINE ON PALESTINIAN

UNCLAS CAIRO 000563

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL PTER EG IS MEPN
SUBJECT: EGYPTIAN GOVERNMENT PUBLIC LINE ON PALESTINIAN
ELECTIONS



1. (U) Egyptian state media reported a January 28 phone call
between President Mubarak and Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas in which the Egyptian leader expressed hope that the
Palestinians would "close ranks in the coming period" in
order to push the peace process forward and achieve the
aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent
state.


2. (U) Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif told reporters
upon his return from Davos that Egypt was capable of playing
a key role with Israel and the Palestinians after the Hamas
electoral victory since Egypt is one of a few countries that
can talk to both Israel and the Palestinians. Nazif urged
all parties to respect the democratic choice of the
Palestinian people and give the new government a chance.


3. (U) After meeting his counterpart from Thailand on
January 29, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told
reporters that Egypt would consider mediation between Hamas
and Israel after formation of a new Palestinian government.
Aboul Gheit said, however, that the formation of a government
would take quite some time. When asked about Hamas'
rejection of the Roadmap and its refusal to recognize Israel,
Aboul Gheit said these issues would be addressed by all
relevant parties. The Foreign Minister expressed hope that
Europe would continue its assistance to the Palestinian
Authority, and called for the international community to
respect the will of the Palestinian people. The new
political reality in Palestine, he said, would help push
forward the peace process.
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