Word: mubarak
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Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak tried but failed to win freedom for Israel's three missing soldiers, whose capture by Hamas and Hizballah triggered Israel's attacks in the Gaza Strip and then Lebanon. A veteran mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict, Mubarak had advice for all the parties in written answers to questions from TIME's Cairo bureau chief, Scott MacLeod. (Longer excerpts appear in time.com...
...Mubarak: It is not "how assertive" a certain role might be. It is rather "how positive." Egypt's choice is to play a role that contributes positively and constructively to the Middle East peace, security and stability. No other role could take place at the expense of Egypt and the other moderate states of the area. No regional security arrangements for the Gulf or the Middle East could bypass or marginalize us. The problem with Iran relates to its long-standing declared opposition to the peace process. Such a position adopted by Iran further complicates an already complicated situation...
...Mubarak: Disproportionate, to say the least. Israel's response demonstrated a collective punishment against the Palestinians and the Lebanese. The bloodshed and the destruction caused by the Israelis went way too far. This Israeli disproportionate response triggered an increasing rage within the Arabs, Muslims, and worldwide. Hostage situations have to be tackled with a great deal of wisdom and caution...
...Mubarak: Both need to review their policies and tactics. Both need to reassess their gains and losses. Both are accountable to their constituencies. There are many lessons to learn from the current crises. I hope this gets through to their leaders for the sake of the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. Hamas, all other Palestinian factions and Abu Mazen have to set aside their differences and speak in one voice. They have to prove that there exists a Palestinian partner able to negotiate a peace settlement with Israel. As to Hizballah, they are part and parcel of the Lebanese people...
...Mubarak: A bit too little, too late. The situation could have been contained at its early stage. Instead, it has been allowed to aggravate, with little effort being exerted within and outside the Security Council. Now is the time for the Council to shoulder its responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security. The U.S. and the other permanent members have to assume a particular responsibility in this regard. An urgent and serious demarche by the international community is most needed. Egypt stands ready, willing, able and looking forward to contributing to such efforts...