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[Jandar]

Egypt proposes talks, cease-fire for Gaza

CNN


UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- Egypt has put forward a plan for a truce in Gaza that would include an immediate cease-fire and meetings in Cairo between leaders of Israel and "Palestinian factions."

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, speaking alongside French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday after the two leaders met in Egypt, invited the two sides to an "urgent meeting."

He said the discussions would focus on avoiding an escalation of the violence, securing borders between Israel and Gaza -- where Hamas militants have fired rockets into southern Israel -- and opening border crossings into and out of Gaza.

Elements of the plan, which was circulating through the United Nations late Tuesday, quickly gained support from representatives of many U.N. Security Council nations.

"Let me assure you that we understand the urgency of an end to the fighting and that we are working around the clock to bring it into being," said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "In this regard, we are pleased by and wish to commend the statement of the president of Egypt and to follow up on that initiative."

Senior State Department officials late Tuesday said Rice still does not support the call for a temporary cease-fire. The United States has dismissed the idea, saying that without significant change it would just lead back to the "status quo" in the region.

"We need urgently to conclude a cease-fire that can endure and that can bring real security," said Rice. "This would begin a period of true calm that includes an end to rocket, mortar and other attacks on Israelis and allows for the cessation of Israel's military offensive."

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/06/israel.gaza.diplomacy/index.html

[Jandar]

What are your hopes for the success of the Egyptian Proposal?

Egyptian, French presidents invite Palestinian factions, Israel to "urgent meeting"
Talks would focus on stopping violence from escalating, border security
Rice applauds statement, but doesn't support a temporary cease-fire
Syria: Hamas ready to agree to peace if Israel leaves Gaza, stops military action