Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak urged Israel to seize the opportunity to create peace during the Israeli-Palestinian talks in Washington, Egyptian daily al-Ahram reported Thursday.
"I say to the Israelis: seize this chance and do not let it slip through your hands...extend your hand to meet the Arab hand that is reaching to you in peace," Mubarak said, DPA reported.
The statement came while Mubarak was in Washington to attend the launch of peace negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday.
Mubarak said Netanyahu had assured him of his intentions to make historic progress within the peace process during several meetings held between the two leaders in the past.
"I say to him today: I am looking forward to seeing his assurances turn into reality."
Mubarak: Israel must seize opportunity for peace
