Cairo, July 12: President Hosni Mubarak has warned Israel that replacing Yasser Arafat could create "chaos" and cause more violence in Palestinian territories and demanded that a "mechanism" be found to implement President George W Bush's Mideast peace plan. In an interview published today in Cairo's daily al-Ahram, the Egyptian leader spoke of what he called the difficulties involved in finding a replacement for Arafat, arguing that the Palestinian leader had the experience needed to negotiate a settlement with the Israelis.

"In my opinion, Israel is unable to understand that its insistence on finding a new leader involves a great deal of difficulties," said Mubarak.

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"I have repeatedly said that Abu Ammar (Arafat's alias) commands vast experience on the (Palestinian) issue and we must continue with him so a genuine and final peace can be reached," Mubarak said. He also said that Arafat may step down after a settlement is reached, saying the Palestinian leader "will not be able to stay in office any longer after completing his tasks and struggle." He did not elaborate.

"The thinking of the Israeli government could lead to chaos and worse violence in Palestinian territories," he said of Israel's calls for the removal of Arafat. "I warn once again, it's dangerous, dangerous, dangerous and will harm everyone, including the Americans," he said without elaborating.
Bureau Report