Egypt

FM: Egypt will not modify initiative on ceasefire in Gaza

Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry has indicated that the Egyptian initiative on ceasefire between Gaza and Israel has gained international support, adding that Egypt has no intentions to modify its initiative.

No other initiatives were reviewed, he said in response to news over presence of Qatari initiative.

The statement came in a joint press conference with Shokry and the foreign minister of France at the presidential Ettehadiya Palace on Saturday where Shokry said that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius bilateral ties as well as regional issues.

 

He said that the Egyptian ceasefire initiative provides a chance to end fighting and remove the blockade on Gaza. It also works on achieving demands on Palestinians in Gaza.

“President Abu Mazen supported the Egyptian initiative as it guarantees stop of violence, which will fulfill demands of Palestinian people,” he added.

In related news, Fabius said his country will use all methods, so the initiative will be applied soon.

In remarks after the conference, Fabius said France is resuming communication with parties involved to end the attacks soon and stop the bloodshed. He added that Hamas hinders the ceasefire and wants to negotiate first, however, the priority is for the ceasefire then comes talks over circumstances of a permanent truce that guarantees security for Israel and facilitate arrival of main supply to Palestinians.

Fabius said his meeting with Sisi tackled the regional issues especially Israel and Palestine, adding that he will discuss the initiative during his visit to Jordan and Israel. He added that he tackled with Sisi the situation in Libya, Iraq and Syria as well as dangers of terrorism in the region.

He also wished success for Egypt in all steps taken on the economic side and praised purchase of French equipments used in defense.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

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