Egypt has taken a very tough line on negotiations over Sinai, it was learned here from reliable sources. Although Defense Minister Ezer Weizman gave no details of his two days of talks with Egyptian War Minister Gen. Mohammed Gamassy, leaked reports from the Defense Ministry indicated that the positions of the two sides are very far apart. But they are regarded here as starting points only in the hard bargaining that lies ahead.
According to the sources, Egypt now insists on total Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai peninsula and is demanding reciprocity in all aspects of a Sinai settlement. If Israel wants a demilitarized zone in Sinai, Egypt is insisting that there also be a demilitarized zone on the Israeli side of the border.
If Israel wants a reduction of forces in Egypt, the Egyptians say Israel must be prepared to reduce its own forces to the same extent. And if the Israelis want to man early warning stations in Sinai to ensure its security, the Egyptians will ask for similar early warning stations as close as possible to the Israeli border.
President Anwar Sadat has said publicly that Egypt would not agree to a continued Israeli military presence on the West Bank. While this can be regarded as a starting point, the fact that it was stated by Sadat himself indicates that the negotiations will be tough.
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