Tuesday, February 8, 2005 Posted: 6:04 PM EST (2304 GMT)
Egypt, Ariel Sharon and Mahmud Abbas finally called on a cease-fire between Israel and Palestine, a new possibility for peace in the Arab World?
"We have agreed with Prime Minister Sharon to cease all violence against the Israelis and against the Palestinians, wherever they are," said Abbas.
Unfortunately, just after the ceas-fire was singed, the independent movement Hamas released a statement in which declares not to be part of the bilateral agreement.
Given the fact that this historical meeting happened four years after the previous one, while Arafat was the Palestinian leader, we can say Abu Mazen seems to be at least busier than his collegue.
"We really hope this day will be the day that marks the relaunching of the process for a better future that will lead us towards mutual respect and peace in the Middle East," said Ariel Sharon, adding that Israel is ready to stop every military operation if Palestine does the same.
President Bush said he was "impressed" by Abbas's commitment to stop terrorism.
"I've also been impressed by the fact that Israel helped the Palestinians have an election, went out of their way to make sure that people were allowed to go to the polls," he added.
Il Romanaccio at 11:02 AM
