Sharaf: Camp David Accords not set in stone

Egypt’s Prime Minister Essam Sharaf has said that the Camp David Agreement is open to change or discussion if it could benefit the peace process. He said: “nothing is set in stone.” "The Camp David treaty is always open to discussion or for modification if that is beneficial for the region and for a just peace. The peace treaty is not something sacred and there can be changes made to it," The Camp David Accords are the historic peace agreement that was signed between Israel and Egypt in 1979. In an interview with Turkish Television yesterday, Sharaf said: “The Agreement is not a holy book, nor is it sacred. We can change it at any time if it is beneficial for the peace process.” Sharaf noted that the root of the problem is the “Israeli occupation of Palestinian Land.” He believes that the solution lies in a fair peace agreement. Israel's foreign ministry on Friday summoned the Egyptian ambassador following the statements. Foreign Ministry Director General Rafi Barak summoned Ambassador Yasser Reda to express Israel's "irritation over the recurrent calls from senior Egyptian officials over the need for modification to the peace treaty," Ynet reported. During the 30-minute interview at the foreign ministry headquarters in Jerusalem, Barak told Reda that "from Israel's perspective, there are no intentions whatsoever to reopen the peace treaty and the step cannot be taken unilaterally." Sharaf also spoke of the Turkish Prime Minister’s recent visit to Egypt. “Egypt and Turkey are strong regional powers and it is in the region’s best interests if we cooperate.” “The future of Egypt is bright, but we need to make use of its climate, strategic location and people to make it a leading country in the region.” Sharaf acknowledged the demands of the Egyptian people, stressing the importance of holding elections in a timely manner. He stated that without transparent elections and a strong political system, Egypt will not advance politically or find stability.