PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL
OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

Thursday, March 26, 2009

President Hosni Mubarak to President Peres:

"Whoever Seeks War Does Not Know What War Really Is"

President Peres Offers His Blessings to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak On
the 30th Anniversary of the Signing of the Peace Agreement Between Israel
and Egypt

President Shimon Peres spoke today with the President of Egypt, Hosni
Mubarak, offering his blessings and best wishes to the peoples of Israel and
Egypt on the 30th anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement between
the two countries.

President Peres began by saying, "My dear friend, here's to 30 years of
peace between our two countries. 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. All of Israel's leaders have a great
appreciation for you. There is no doubt that, even though these last 30
years were not perfect, they were a thousand times better than a
continuation of the conflict and war between us, and I remember well your
saying that you have no interest in sacrificing your children and soldiers
for nothing."

President Mubarak responded that 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. He added that Egypt is doing its utmost to
advance the conversations for the return of the kidnapped Israeli soldier,
Gilad Schalit. President Peres thanked President Mubarak for Egypt's efforts
on behalf of Gilad Schalit, and added that, "It is not acceptable for Hamas
to hold a kidnapped Israeli soldier. Israel does not rule Gaza, Israel has
not conquered Gaza; Gaza has been conquered by Hamas."

The two also discussed recent political developments in Israel and the
future of the peace process between Israel and its neighbors. President
Peres emphasized that according to the coalition agreements that have been
signed, the new government will be obligated to pursue regional peace
agreements with all of its neighbors, and to abide by all previous
international agreements.

For additional information:
Ayelet Frish - Spokesperson for the President of Israel - 050.620.5111
Meital Jaslovitz - Assistant Spokesperson for the President - 050.420.5230