April 2010
Egyptian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Omar Metwally: Q&A session notes
• Prior to the Palestinian elections, Egypt specifically informed the US that Hamas would win. It recommended postponing it. The Bush Administration refused any delay and ultimately Hamas was victorious. After Hamas won a legitimate democratic election in the West Bank and Gaza, Israel and the US led the International Community to isolate Hamas. The marginalisation of Hamas is problematic. At the same time, external entities are utilising Hamas for their own agenda. Egypt is doing what it can in terms of reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.
• The Palestinian refugee issue is resolvable – it is not an obstacle to the peace talks. In numerous discussions between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators understanding has already been reached that only a symbolic number of refugees will return to Israel itself, while the remainder will return to the future Palestinian state. Besides, many Palestinians would prefer to remain where they currently are (e.g. those in the US, Australia).
• In relation to the reports that surfaced several years ago that alleged the Arab League – led by former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amre Moussa – specifically instructed the late Yasser Arafat to reject the Camp David peace talks due to its objection to the Palestinians conceding any part of Jerusalem to Israel, the Arab League leader himself informed the Ambassador that these reports are simply wrong. This instruction was never given.
• Gaza is under the responsibility of Israel. Nonetheless, Egypt is permitting the passage of people and goods for humanitarian purposes.
• A new Palestinian state will succeed and prosper – Palestinians are well educated and a talented people. However, their success will largely depend on the international community, including Israel.
• We believe that Jerusalem could be two capitals, East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. There could be international control over the Holy places.
• While conceding that anti-Jewish sentiments occurs in the Egyptian media, and this is unacceptable, it is mainly due to the many media outlets that service the large population, and the perception that exists among the population that Israel is not really interested in peace – it merely reflects the sentiments expressed by some people.
• Trade figures between Israel and Egypt are increasing. Many Israelis travel to Egypt for holidays (mainly to Sinai and Tabah). At the highest level there is a close relationship between the two countries. However, these relationships are not as close as they were during the Begin-Sadat era. But Middle East peace is a must and Egypt wants to achieve it, including doing what it can in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
• Egypt aims to make the Middle East region free of nuclear arms. The current circumstances make this very challenging – Israel has nuclear weapons and Iran may be attempting to obtain it. Therefore others may legitimately consider obtaining such weapons too.
• There is no concern for the post-Mubarak era. Egypt has “always been a land of moderation”. Of course there are extremist elements within Egypt, as there are in most countries. However, Egypt is a strong country with strong institutions.
• Egypt, as a civil, democratic and secular state, objects to defining Israel as a Jewish State. Israel is a sovereign state. But a Jewish State by definition is highly problematic for the 20% of its non-Jewish citizens. It is discriminatory. Will they be expelled? There needs to be a better understanding of the definition of a Jewish State. States should be about politics, not religion.
• Australia can have a more active role in the Middle East peace talks. There has been a noticeable attempt by the current Australian Administration to contribute more to peace in the Middle East. A number of countries could do more to support the peace efforts of the US.
• The Palestinian refugee issue is resolvable – it is not an obstacle to the peace talks. In numerous discussions between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators understanding has already been reached that only a symbolic number of refugees will return to Israel itself, while the remainder will return to the future Palestinian state. Besides, many Palestinians would prefer to remain where they currently are (e.g. those in the US, Australia).
• In relation to the reports that surfaced several years ago that alleged the Arab League – led by former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amre Moussa – specifically instructed the late Yasser Arafat to reject the Camp David peace talks due to its objection to the Palestinians conceding any part of Jerusalem to Israel, the Arab League leader himself informed the Ambassador that these reports are simply wrong. This instruction was never given.
• Gaza is under the responsibility of Israel. Nonetheless, Egypt is permitting the passage of people and goods for humanitarian purposes.
• A new Palestinian state will succeed and prosper – Palestinians are well educated and a talented people. However, their success will largely depend on the international community, including Israel.
• We believe that Jerusalem could be two capitals, East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. There could be international control over the Holy places.
• While conceding that anti-Jewish sentiments occurs in the Egyptian media, and this is unacceptable, it is mainly due to the many media outlets that service the large population, and the perception that exists among the population that Israel is not really interested in peace – it merely reflects the sentiments expressed by some people.
• Trade figures between Israel and Egypt are increasing. Many Israelis travel to Egypt for holidays (mainly to Sinai and Tabah). At the highest level there is a close relationship between the two countries. However, these relationships are not as close as they were during the Begin-Sadat era. But Middle East peace is a must and Egypt wants to achieve it, including doing what it can in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
• Egypt aims to make the Middle East region free of nuclear arms. The current circumstances make this very challenging – Israel has nuclear weapons and Iran may be attempting to obtain it. Therefore others may legitimately consider obtaining such weapons too.
• There is no concern for the post-Mubarak era. Egypt has “always been a land of moderation”. Of course there are extremist elements within Egypt, as there are in most countries. However, Egypt is a strong country with strong institutions.
• Egypt, as a civil, democratic and secular state, objects to defining Israel as a Jewish State. Israel is a sovereign state. But a Jewish State by definition is highly problematic for the 20% of its non-Jewish citizens. It is discriminatory. Will they be expelled? There needs to be a better understanding of the definition of a Jewish State. States should be about politics, not religion.
• Australia can have a more active role in the Middle East peace talks. There has been a noticeable attempt by the current Australian Administration to contribute more to peace in the Middle East. A number of countries could do more to support the peace efforts of the US.
