Autonomy Talks Resume

The autonomy talks resumed in Tel Aviv today on the working level. Ambassador Taher Shash, head of the Egyptian delegation, said on his arrival that the latest round of talks will be a continuation of earlier efforts to work out a declaration of principles covering the powers and responsibilities of the autonomous authority on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The present round of talks is due to end next Thursday. Last Thursday, Israel and Egypt concluded a series of agreements on the normalization of relations between the two countries. The areas covered were entry and transit visas and customs regulations. Matters on which no agreements were reached were referred to the supreme normalization committee of which Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon and Egyptian Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali are the co-chairmen.

Under the agreements reached last week, Israelis visiting Sinai will be able to obtain entry visas good for one week at the border checkpoint. Israel has not, however, agreed to Egypt’s demand that visitors who want to stay in the area longer than 48 hours must buy at least 100 Egyptian Pounds (about $20). Israel insists on a much smaller amount.

Israeli tourists on charter flights from Eilat to Al-Nakeb airport in the Egyptian-controlled area of Sinai will be issued entry visas upon arrival at the airport, it was agreed by both sides.

The resumption of the autonomy talks was the occasion for the Egyptian media to urge Israel to display a more constructive approach, not only toward the Palestinians but to Arab states which might participate in the next stage of the peace process. The reference clearly was to Saudi Arabia. A Foreign Ministry spokesman in Cairo said last Thursday that the recent events in the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank “harm the trust and cast doubts” on Israel’s intentions. Both territories have been the scene of unrest during the past week and vigorous Israeli measures to restore order.