TEL AVIV: Egyptian ambassador to Tel Aviv Yaser Reda today met with Deputy Israeli Prime Minister Eli Yishai and the Israeli Minister of the Interior, who heads the right-wing Shas Party, reported Channel 2 of Israeli TV. The meeting allegedly lasted for many hours. Among the topics of discussion were the maintenance of Israeli—Egyptian relations and the political dynamics of the Palestine crisis. “The relationship between Israel and Egypt is secure,” said Reda. “There has not been an intention to sever diplomatic or political relations between the two countries.” Reda added that those calling for the end of the relationship are part of an ineffective group. The Egyptian ambassador also signaled his hope that investigations into the killing of Egyptian security personnel at the border will speed up. He also hopes that both sides will find the investigative report acceptable. Reda claimed that his main goal during the meeting was to urge the Minister of the Interior to cooperate with the peace process, particularly with regard to Palestinians. “Egypt depends on the Shas Party cooperation to support peace with Palestine,” he said. “Egypt will enhance its relationship with Israel if it can achieve peace with Palestine.” Israeli deputy Yishai wished the Egyptian people success in holding honest, fair and free democratic elections. He also claimed that Egypt had suggested a Palestinian negotiator for the peace process. “Any unilateral steps by Palestine are useless,” said Yishai. Auvaidya Joseph, the Chief Rabbi and spiritual leader of the Shas Party (as well as friend of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak), wishes to support the relationship between the two countries and maintain the peace treaty, said Yashai.
