MUBARAK SAYS PEACE SUMMIT LACKS FRAMEWORK

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002642 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2012 TAGS: PREL KPAL IS EG SUBJECT: MUBARAK SAYS PEACE SUMMIT LACKS FRAMEWORK Classified By: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (U) During an exclusive interview with the Chief Editor of Akhbar el-Youm on August 25, President Mubarak said that the framework for the proposed fall Middle East peace summit has not yet been drawn up. He said "Egypt supports the necessity of consensus around all the outstanding cases for political settlement before the international meeting called for by President Bush is held." On the possibility of Syria's participation, Mubarak said that no Arab party should be left out. An August 25 Reuters report also carried the brief comments Mubarak made to Akhbar el-Youm. ¶2. (C) MFA contacts report that Mubarak's comments do not mark a change in GOE policies, but rather reflect Egypt's view that real progress on the substantive issues, as opposed to more talks, must take place. They also stress that Syrian participation in the conference is critical to the ultimate success of any plan and that Syria needs a sign that the international community will let them play a role. Senior MFA interlocutors are also pressing us to share whatever we can on the substance, timing, venue, and participation of the conference. RICCIARDONE