MUBARAK BLAMES ISRAEL FOR TALKS IMPASSE

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on December 19 blamed Israel for the stalemate in peace negotiations with the Palestinians in a speech before a joint session of the Egyptian Parliament’s two chambers. Mubarak also warned Israel that the security of its people hinged on peace rather than “occupation or arms.” The Egyptian president, whose country has a 1979 peace treaty with Israel, also called on the United States and other Mideast peace brokers to “assume their responsibility” to break the stalemate in the peace process, lamenting that international efforts had fallen well short of what was needed. The talks are at an impasse over the Israeli refusal to cease building settlements in areas wanted by the Palestinians for a future state. Egypt, a key US ally, would continue to work for a “just” peace that brings security to all parties in the region, Mubarak said.