Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood reiterates refusal to engage Israel
25/01/2012
By By Haitham al-Tabaei
http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=28233

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat – Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghazlan
informed Asharq Al-Awsat that his group categorically rejects the principle
of dialogue with Israel. He stressed that the Brotherhood’s position is
clear and consistent on this matter, and is not open to discussion. Ghazlan
made his comments after the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that Tel Aviv
would extend a helping hand to the new regime in Egypt. Relations between
Cairo and Tel Aviv are governed by a peace treaty signed over three decades
ago.

The Muslim Brotherhood Freedom and Justice Party recently won a majority in
the Egyptian parliament, whilst the new Egyptian Speaker of Parliament, Saad
al-Katatni, is also a member of this party. However the task of selecting
the forthcoming government, according to the constitution currently in force
in the country, is still in the hands of the Egyptian Supreme Council of the
Armed Forces [SCAF].

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told Israeli radio on
Tuesday that “Israel has not closed the door to anyone”, adding that “we
will be happy to engage in dialogue with anyone who is ready to negotiate
with us”.

In response, Ghazlan informed Asharq al-Awsat that “the [Muslim Brotherhood]
group does not have any willingness to engage in dialogue with Israel. This
decision has been taken and our position is consistent and clear, and is not
currently open to discussion”.

Ghazlan added “it does not make sense to launch a dialogue, any form of
dialogue, in light of Israel’s current practices against the Arab people”.

Western officials met with a number of leaders from the Muslim Brotherhood
and other Islamic currents after their victory in the recent parliamentary
elections in Egypt. Ghazlan denied that the Brotherhood has received any
request from the Israeli Embassy in Cairo to meet with its leaders, but he
stressed that “any request from the Israeli Embassy to meet with Brotherhood
leaders will be rejected”.

Yigal Palmor stressed that the peace agreement signed between Israel and
Egypt serves the interests of both sides, and it is likely that Egypt will
continue to honor the agreement even though the two countries have
differences in opinion.