'Cairo wants a breakthrough in the peace process'

Egyptian intelligence chief meets with Peres, Netanyahu in Jerusalem; PM emphasizes the need for regional security.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
peres suleiman 311 (photo credit: GPO)
peres suleiman 311
(photo credit: GPO)
Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman met with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Thursday, to discuss the possibility of renewing negotiations with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu emphasized in his meeting with Suleiman that Israel hopes to renew peace talks.
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The Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying that Netanyahu is interested in "a peace treaty that will contribute to the security of Israel and of the entire region. Suleiman expressed his and President Hosni Mubarak's hope that there will be peace between Israel and the Palestinians."
The meeting also dealt with cooperation between Egyptian and Israeli security forces. The head of the National Security Council, Professor Uzi Arad, as well as Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Yohanan Loker, and prominent lawyer Isaac Molho attended the meeting, as did Egyptian officials.
Suleiman and the president discussed peace talks, as well as ways to strengthen strategic ties with Egypt.
Peres also brought up the topic of kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit, as Suleiman had been involved in the negotiations for his release.
Before the meeting, Peres said: "Egypt is a key state in the Middle East, and we must thank President [Hosni] Mubarak for his efforts...to prevent violence, bloodshed, and keep regional stability."
"Suleiman came to Israel with a mission to support us in overcoming the difficulties in negotiations, as a friend who is involved in the process," Peres added.
Suleiman told Peres that "Mubarak is concerned about the region's future and sent me here to keep up the peace process' momentum. Egypt is interested in making a breakthrough in the peace process."