Egypt cuts agricultural ties 25 years after Sadat visit to Israel

Jerusalem Post ^ | Nov. 20, 2002 | HERB KEINON

[Nachum]

Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat's landmark journey to Jerusalem, but rather than being marked by pomp and circumstance, it was reported that Cairo is cutting agricultural ties.

An-Nahar, which reported that the agriculture minister said the government decided to end agricultural ties, wrote that the reason is "the Israeli government's negative position, which is not in line with the principle of peace in the region."

One Israeli official expressed surprise at the report, saying most of the agricultural ties were cut following Operation Defensive Shield earlier this year.

"We are very sorry about this," he said, "but it is nothing new."

He said although the move is a disappointing sign of the state of "normalization" between the two countries, the peace treaty has lasted for a quarter of a century and withstood a number of crises, including the Lebanon War and the Baruch Goldstein massacre in Hebron.

The channels of communication remain open, he said, noting the meetings Egypt's intelligence chief Omar Suleiman held here Thursday with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Moshe Katsav. "Despite everything," the official said, "the diplomatic relations still remain."

Sadat's trip led to the 1979 peace treaty, but the comprehensive Arab-Israeli settlement he called for when he addressed the Knesset remains elusive.

[Bommer]

An-Nahar, which reported that the agriculture minister said the government decided to end agricultural ties, wrote that the reason is "the Israeli government's negative position, which is not in line with the principle of peace in the region."

Principle of peace? What the hell is that coming from a bunch of Arabs that cheer when Buses are blown up! Phuck em!

[sheik yerbouty]

May all of Egypt share the waters of Lake Nasser!