Livni seeking prominent figure to serve as ambassador to Egypt - Haaretz

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Wed., December 26, 2007 Tevet 17, 5768

Israel Time: 15:55 (EST+7)

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		Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. (Tess Scheflan / Jini)

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Last update - 10:55 26/12/2007

Livni seeking prominent figure to serve as ambassador to Egypt

By Barak Ravid ,Haaretz Correspondent

Tags: Israel, Egypt, Tzipi Livni

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is interested in appointing a prominent figure as ambassador to Cairo in order to "upgrade" the Foreign Ministry's influence in the strategic ties between Israel and Egypt.

Livni may appoint a figure who is not from the Foreign Ministry but holds a senior political or public position.

The tenure of Israel's current ambassador in Cairo, Shalom Cohen, is suspected to expire next summer. A tender inside the ministry has recently been issued and a number of diplomats have submitted their candidacy.

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After looking over the list, Livni asked that more names be added. Livni explained that Cairo was a "strategic capital" for Israel similar to Washington or Moscow and therefore the position most be filled by a highly capable and experienced person.

Livni is interested in seeing a dramatic change in the influence of the ministry regarding Egyptian diplomacy, especially in light of the weapons smuggling issue and Egypt's involvement in the Palestinian Authority.

In the past few years, a situation has developed in which the main ties to Egypt have been between officials in the Defense Ministry or Prime Minister's office and Egyptian intelligence. The Israeli Embassy has been disconnected from most of the dialogue between the two countries. Livni believes that the appointment of a prominent figure as ambassador could alter that status quo.

Related articles:

Arms smuggling, Gaza truce on agenda of Barak trip to Egypt

Egypt: Livni should keep quiet on arms smuggling into Gaza Strip

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1.	SEND MOSHE KATSAV TO KAIRO	11:13	\|	indrajaya	26/12/07

2.	Wise move, but better would be a comprehensive peace!	11:23	\|	Ivar	26/12/07

3.	having made peace with egypt nothing was gained at any time	13:55	\|	victor hardman	26/12/07

4.	Send a retired General, but not Halutz.	14:05	\|	Stephen.	26/12/07

5.	Send Eli Yatzpan	15:03	\|	Krystal	26/12/07

6.	A Prominent Ambassador to Egypt	15:52	\|	Joe	26/12/07

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