The Cabinet affirmed unanimously today that Israel would complete its withdrawal from Sinai on April 25 this Sunday — as required under the terms of its 1979 peace treaty with Egypt. The Cabinet convened in special session as Israeli troops moved into Yamit to clear the northern Sinai town of several thousand militant squatters and die-hard settlers.
At the same time, a military spokesman announced that Israeli war planes bombed three Palestinian bases in Lebanon today, the first such action since the cease-fire on the Lebanese border took effect last July. (See separate story.)
The Cabinet, sitting as a ministerial defense committee, meaning in closed session, issued an eight-point statement expressing satisfaction that Egypt is taking steps to correct treaty violations alleged against it by Israel and with assurances contained in letters from President Hosni Mubarak to Premier Menachem Begin that Egypt will adhere scrupulously to the peace treaty and will pursue the autonomy negotiations in good faith.
The Cabinet statement disclosed that Begin received a letter from President Reagan today which was “of great significance to the future security of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.” It expressed “deep appreciation” to Reagan and also thanks to Deputy Secretary of State Walter Stoessel Jr., for his efforts during the past week to mediate last minute differences between Israel and Egypt.
ELEMENTS IN CABINET STATEMENT
The Cabinet statement referred to Israeli charges of excessive Egyptian troop concentrations in the limited forces zone of Sinai. It said that Mubarak, in a letter to Begin dated April 16, said this had been “put right” and promised it would not recur. The statement noted further that Egypt had taken “steps” to prevent the penetration of terrorists or weapons into the Gaza Strip from Sinai and pledged to prevent this in the future.
A second letter dated April 20, was received from Mubarak, the Cabinet said, in which the Egyptian President re-endorsed the letter that accompanied the March, 1979 peace treaty. In that letter, the two countries pledged to negotiate over Palestinian autonomy “in good faith” and declared that “The objective of the negotiations is to agree, prior to the elections, on the modalities for establishing the elected self-government authority (administrative council), define its powers and responsibilities and agree upon other related issues.”
The Cabinet said that Mubarak, in his second letter, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to continue these negotiations, with U.S. participation as a full partner, “until we reach an agreement.”
Finally, the Cabinet statement called on the Yamit die-hards, members of the movement to halt the withdrawal, to leave peacefully and not clash with the army and police, “in spite of the pain which is well understood.” It said the “higher interests of the State” demanded this.
Sources close to Begin had indicated before the Cabinet met that the Premier was “satisfied” with the clarifications and actions by Egypt in response to Israeli complaints and demands. The second letter from Mubarak was delivered to Begin’s home last night by the Egyptian Ambassador, Saad Mortada, Reagan’s letter was delivered during the Cabinet meeting.
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