Military

DATE=3/27/02

TYPE=INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

TITLE=Hassan Khoury

NUMBER=3-106

BYLINE=Beattie

DATELINE=Washington

/// EDITORS: INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED PRIOR TO THE PALESTINIAN DEPARTURE FROM THE SUMMIT. THIS INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN DALET UNDER SOD/ENGLISH NEWS NOW INTERVIEWS IN THE FOLDER FOR TODAY OR YESTERDAY.///

As the Arab Summit got underway in Beirut, Wednesday, there was some optimism about advancing a Saudi Arabian peace proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The two day summit was expected to endorse the peace plan that calls for normalizing relations between Arab nations and Israel in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from all land occupied since the 1967 war. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Jordan's King Abdullah and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat are not present for the talks. For some perspective on that and the Saudi peace plan, V-O-A's Victor Beattie spoke with Hassan Khoury, contributing editor of the Arabic business magazine "al Idari" in Beirut. Mr. Khoury was asked if he is surprised by how strongly the Bush Administration is promoting the Saudi plan.:

MR. KHOURY: We do understand very well that it is in the interest of the United States to have stability in this part of the world, as in other parts of the world. So it is not unexpected that the United States would support the Saudi initiative, especially in this period where it is waging this war against terrorism.

MR. BEATTIE: Mr. Khoury, let me ask you about the Arab Summit. Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Self-Government will not be there apparently. Is that going to cause a problem for the Summit?

MR. KHOURY: No. The Egyptian position is very clear. The Egyptians are supporting the Saudi initiative. Yasser Arafat is now under the Israeli pressure and he is not able to come unless Israel will force him to pay a heavy political price. But I don't think this will affect the resolutions as far as the Arabs are showing their willingness to have peace with Israel.

MR. BEATTIE: It is my understanding, Mr. Khoury, that Mr. Mubarak didn't show up because he is angry at the U.S. for not doing enough to make sure Mr. Arafat was able to show up. Do you think that is true?

MR. KHOURY: Yes. But this does not affect the basic Egyptian positions toward the Saudi initiative and the willingness to make peace.

MR. BEATTIE: Do you think the Arab Summit will formally endorse this Saudi peace plan?

MR. KHOURY: Yes, I think so. Most probably. Maybe with some small amendments the Arabs will agree on the Saudi initiative.

MR. BEATTIE: Does this include the recognition of Israel's right to exist?

MR. KHOURY: Furthermore, having a "normal relationship" with Israel. This time the Arabs are going one step further.

MR. BEATTIE: And what does that mean to you in terms of a relationship with Israel?

MR. KHOURY: A normal relationship. It means it would be accepted as any state in the area -- having a trade relationship, having diplomatic recognition, and maybe in the long run cultural relations.

MR. BEATTIE: So, do you think at this particular time in history the Arab states are willing to live side by side with Israel?

MR. KHOURY: Sure. Sure. Now it is up to Israel to be positive and to respond to this historical opportunity.

MR. BEATTIE: Hassan Khoury, contributing editor of the Beirut-based business magazine al-Idari.

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