Israeli President Shimon Peres flew to Cairo Tuesday where he held talks with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. The two presidents discussed the Middle East peace efforts and the situation of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who has been held captive in Gaza for over three years.
When asked about Schalit, Mubarak answered, “Communications are ongoing. Schalit is in good condition. I hope that in the coming period, not in a long time, the Schalit issue will be closed.”
On the peace effort, Peres emphasized Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution and the end of new settlements. He said, “We cannot miss this opportunity. The differences between us are not that great that they cannot be overcome.” “Israel has no intention to rule over the Palestinian people. We have no intention to confiscate land, and we have no intention to build new settlements,” he added.
