Mubarak insists Palestinian, Iraqi solutions linked

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The following are excerpts from a Washington Times interview yesterday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Houston:

Question: Mr. President, you had been looking for a commitment from President Bush at your meeting [Monday] that the proposed Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip would be seen in the context of the "road map" peace plan. You received that commitment?

Answer: I told him that the withdrawal from Gaza should be coordinated with the Palestinians, should be in consultation with the Palestinians, for one single reason: so they can prepare themselves to have the power to control Gaza after that. ... Otherwise, it would be a big mistake. To just withdraw and leave everything would be very complicated.

Q: What role will Egypt play in Gaza if such a withdrawal takes place?

A: In Gaza, we are ready just to train the people, to give them instructions in how to work as police for the security, and to bring them to Egypt and train them -- we know them very well -- and to coordinate with them in how they can work in maintaining security against terror.

Q: Did President Bush also ask you to maintain security along the border, to prevent weapons from being smuggled into Gaza?

A: Look, my friend, this issue I am hearing it for years and years. We are making very strict efforts, but sometimes, on any border between any countries, smuggling can take place. ... We are doing the maximum effort. We are not sending arms to any country. We don't want any more escalation.

Q: [Israeli] Prime Minister [Ariel] Sharon announced yesterday that he wants to keep five of the largest settlements in the West Bank. How will this be received in the region?

A: If we are looking for peace and stability between both sides, we have to consult on each step toward withdrawal. To keep some settlements without the acceptance of the Palestinians -- this will never happen. Let us be realistic: If you want peace, if you want to live together in harmony, we have to consult with each other.