CAIRO: Israel s defense minister says regional talks would be better for Israel than bilateral negotiations with the Palestinians toward a peace accord.
Ehud Barak talked to reporters in Cairo after meeting Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Barak said in negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel is the only one that can give, the Palestinians are the underdog and the talks are asymmetrical.
But in regional talks, Barak said it becomes clear that Israel is the isolated party. He said topics could include the struggle against terrorism and economic projects.
Barak s office released a transcript of his remarks Sunday. He said, The Arab side has much to give in the form of confidence building measures and steps toward normalization. -AP
