Egypt wants to play a key role in Israel-PA talks

Egypt and the new administration in the United States will play a key role in Israeli-Palestinian Authority (PA) peace talks, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, according to the Russia-based Sputnik news agency.

"Egypt is the key partner in ensuring negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian side. Therefore, it is necessary to take a balanced stance to keep an opportunity for maneuver and influence on the both sides of the upcoming negotiations focused on finding a comprehensive and fair settlement, which would guarantee the implementation of the rights of all Palestinians based on the UN decisions," the ministry said, explaining why it withdrew the draft resolution at the United Nations condemning Israeli “settlements”.