JERUSALEM (JTA) — Egypt’s president reiterated his commitment to peace with Israel on the 30th anniversary of the Egypt-Israel peace deal.
The peace treaty was signed by Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin on March 26, 1979.
Speaking by telephone with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said he has no intention of changing his policies with regard to peace with Israel, and that "whoever seeks war has never felt what war really is."
"Here’s to 30 years of peace between our two countries," Peres told Mubarak. "I want to express my deep appreciation for your leadership and your activities on behalf of peace and stability in the Middle East. For years now you have stood steadfastly as a rock, unmoveable from your position in support of peace."
The remarks were provided by Israel’s Government Press Office.
An editorial in the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram criticized Israel on Thursday’s anniversary, accusing the Jewish state of thwarting Egyptian efforts to connect Israel to the Arab world, and for electing right-wing leaders, Ha’aretz reported.
"There is no room for celebration. On this anniversary, there isn’t an atmosphere of optimism, and the facts on the ground are not pushing anyone toward celebration," the editorial read.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as well as academic and cultural institutions, planned events to commemorate the anniversary.
