Israel asks Egypt for Gaza help

[Colorado Blue]

Israel's Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has asked Egypt to help ensure the Gaza Strip does not come under the control of radicals after Israel withdraws. Israel fears militant groups like Hamas could become the dominant force when it pulls out of Gaza later this year.

Mr Shalom asked Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to help Israel improve its relations with the Arab world. Speaking in Cairo, he also announced that a deal would soon be agreed for Egypt to supply gas to Israel.

snip

He also appealed for help in establishing better links with neighbouring Muslim countries. "Israel and Egypt have much to gain from enhancing the relationship between Israel and all its Middle East neighbours," he said.

He called for a "new roadmap" working towards full diplomatic relations with Israel's neighbours - but made clear this was not meant to replace the roadmap covering the peace process with the Palestinians.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4435865.stm

[BayouBengal07]

1. sounds promising.

But wasn't Egypt supposed to have an election recently? Has 25 years of Mubarak's "emergency" rule been enough?

[Colorado Blue]

3. They are supposed to open the field now for competition.

I hope they don't use our electronic voting machines:)

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Considering...

...Hamas, Jihad threaten to call off truce it looks like Israel has some justifiable concerns.