President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stressed the importance of pushing forward on efforts to reach an agreement on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, pointing out that Egypt continues its efforts to resume negotiations between both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
Sisi, during a meeting with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, at Ettihadeya Presidential Palace Sunday said that Egypt’s stance is steadfast and seeks a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the right of Palestinians to establish their independent state on the June 4, 1967 boarder, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He stressed that the Palestinian issues are always at the top of Egypt’s priorities and that finding a solution is a fundamental pillar for restoring security and stability in the Middle East.
It also contributes to the creation of a necessary environment for development and economic progress, that meet the aspirations of the people and countries in the region, Sisi added.
Abbas briefed Sisi on Palestinian efforts, made to gain international support for the Palestinian position, aimed at reaching a two-state solution in accordance with the international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.
He reviewed as well American efforts to revive the peace process.
Abbas expressed his appreciation towards Egypt’s efforts to support the Palestinian people and their cause, stressing that Egypt has spared no effort to push toward establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as efforts to achieve a Palestinian national unity that ends division
Informed sources said that Abbas was assured by Egyptian officials, stressing the Palestinian Authority as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and that the reproach between Egypt and Hamas does not affect his legitimacy, but rather aims at reaching understandings with Hamas for security reasons to prevent the smuggling of weapons and infiltration of terrorists to Sinai.
Abbas also discussed the tension between Egypt and Fatah sacked leader Mohamed Dahlan.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
