Shoukry: No plans for amending Arab peace initiative

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed that there is no plan to amend the Arab peace initiative with Israel.

During an interview with the Palestinian TV, Shoukry said Palestine will continue consultations with Arab states for another move at the United Nations Security Council to issue a resolution halting Israeli settlement in the occupied Palestinian lands.

The Arab initiative was launched in 2002 and endorsed by the international community. It focuses on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state, he said.

Shoukry said the overture launched recently by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi represents Egypt's comprehensive vision on realizing regional peace and stability, mainly through ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

He further expounded that the overture also focuses on the dangers besetting Arab security, especially terror.

Shoukry said that the current visit is meant to forward a verbal message from Sisi to President Mahmoud Abbas on solidarity and support for the Palestinians until restoring their rights and establishing an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He added that Egypt backs the French peace initiative, noting that Egypt and France are preparing for an international conference on the Palestinian cause.

Shoukry said Egypt is also holding talks with the US to push forward the peace process, noting that the US is an important and effective partner.

Shoukry added that Egypt will continue its efforts to realize Palestinian reconciliation to enable the Palestinian Authority to restore its position as the legitimate authority and shoulder its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip in line with the Cairo statement – which was endorsed by the international community.

Source ; MENA