Denouncing Islamic extremists for negating a religion that stands for tolerance, justice and mercy, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi took to the podium of the General Assembly today to call on the United Nations and its Member States to join him in a proactive strategy to defeat terrorism.
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“The ongoing events in Jerusalem and the holy mosque of al-Aksa confirm that achieving peace continues to face hurdles and challenges that require us all to tackle by providing decisive final solutions” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said during his speech at the United Nations on Monday.
Sisi also expressed hope that the Palestinian issue would be resolved and in expanding Egypt’s peace deal with Israel to include more Arab countries.
In an interview with the Associated Press, President Sisi said he would be ready to pardon other journalists, such as Peter Greste, who were sentenced to prison in absentia, but noted limits on his Presidential powers. There is the problem of the refugees that are flowing into Europe. “I’m optimistic by nature and I say that there is a great opportunity”.
Following the swelling tension between the Palestinian people and the Egyptian government, who were concerned the Gaza tunnels were being used by Hamas terrorist group and other Palestinians to smuggle weapons and goods into Gaza, the Israeli Prime Minister praised Egypt for taking initiative to pave the way to peace. “Increasing the military capability of the Egyptian military means that it can strike a strategic balance” for the region”, Sisi added. He said the Brotherhood has given “a very bad impression” and Egyptians “are not able to forgive and forget”.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu urges PA President Mahmoud Abbas once again to return immediately to the negotiating table to advance the diplomatic process”, a statement issued by the office said shortly after Hebrew media carried news of the Sissi-Abbas meeting.
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Earlier this month, Netanyahu said he was willing to meet Abbas “right now” to resume peace negotiations without preconditions.
