CAIRO: Egypt’s ambassador to Israel Yasser Rida denied making statements in an Israeli newspaper that Egypt was willing to forget scathing remarks about it by the right-wing Avigdor Lieberman, who is slated to be the new Israeli Foreign Minister.
Haaretz had reported that Rida had said Egypt was willing to forget previous statements by Lieberman if he becomes foreign minister, and would be ready to cooperate with a new government.
Rida denied that he had made these statements, and also denied reports that Egypt would invite Prime Minister designate Benyamin Netanyahu to visit Cairo as soon as he assumes his post.
“It is too early to discuss a visit for a prime minister who is yet to form a government, Rida said.
Lieberman is known for his blunt views, and has upset Cairo in the past.
Ten years ago he said that if Egypt were to attack Israel, then the response would be to bomb the Aswan Dam.
Last October in the Knesset he said that President Hosni Mubarak “could go to hell for not visiting Israel.
Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu won 15 seats in the recent Israeli election and has been invited by Netanyahu to become part of a coalition government headed by Likud. He is expected to take on the post of foreign minister.
However, Haaretz also reported Thursday that Egypt had denied that Rida would boycott the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Camp David Accords next week.
It quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki as saying, “We don’t have any information suggesting that the ambassador to Israel will boycott the celebrations. Why should he?
There had been reports emanating from Israel that Egypt would boycott the celebrations because Lieberman would be the next foreign minister.
Zaki had refused to comment on Lieberman specifically, telling the German news agency DPA, “So far, all we have is media speculation. We are reserving comment until we learn if his appointment is final.
Former Egyptian Ambassador to Israel Mohammed Bassiouny had told Daily News Egypt after the Israeli elections that Egypt would be prepared to deal with any Israeli government, but a desire for peace was imperative.
“The Israeli people pick their representative for office, not us. We deal with any government they choose. What’s important to me is not the person that will lead, but rather their willingness to take steps towards peace, he said.
