Knesset Members of the extreme-left Yachad Party (formerly Meretz) visited Egypt yesterday, and discussed with Egyptian officials the Israeli disengagement/expulsion plan. It was widely reported that Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleimon told the visitors that it was a high-priority Egyptian interest to bring about an end to arms-smuggling between Egypt and Gaza. Receiving somewhat less coverage was Suleimon's added clarification that Egypt would only agree to cooperate with the plan if Israel allows the Palestinian Authority to re-open the Dahaniya airport, build a seaport, and re-open the "safe passage" across the northern Negev between Gaza and the Hevron area.



Suleimon, one of the leading candidates to succeed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as Egypt's Chief of State, made these statements to Yachad party leader Yossi Beilin and the other visitors.