Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday met in Sharm el-Sheikh with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, with the two discussing a number of key regional issues. The topic of Iran was raised of course, and the Egyptian leader emphasized that he has been telling both Jerusalem and Washington that the military option must be avoided.

The following excerpts were taken from an exclusive Channel 1 News interview with the Egyptian leader.

Mr. Mubarak added that Egypt objects to nuclear weapons in Iran, just as he objects to Israel’s nuclear capabilities. When it was pointed out that Israel does not threaten anyone, the Egyptian leader stated this is a different issue but in principle, Egypt objects to any nuclear weapons in the region.

Regarding renewed contacts with the Syrians via Turkey, Mubarak applauded the move, calling it a preliminary contact stage, wishing the move success. He stated that during the tenure of the Rabin administration talks were ongoing as well, but he appeared more genuinely interested in the Israel/PA track, explaining the “Palestinian issue is at the heart of the regional conflict,” explaining that if this is solved, all other problems will be solved, including Syria.

Asked if he believes Israel and the PA can reach an agreement by the end of the Gregorian year in accordance to the American agenda, he stated that he hopes a good agreement will be reached, an agreement that is adhered to, “not one that is signed and placed on the shelf, having no real value.”

(Not from the interview) While there have not been any official statements, the media is reporting that Egyptian Intelligence Chief General Omar Suleiman is committed to the continued closure of the Rafiah border until Hamas releases Gilad Shalit.

Mubarak stated the ceasefire in Gaza is mutually beneficial, permitting both sides to live in quiet.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)