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Last update - 03:51 30/04/2008 ANALYSIS: Livni and Aboul Gheit starting to sing harmonious duet By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Egypt, Tzipi Livni  Relations between Egypt and Israel are undergoing a change, say sources at the Foreign Ministry. Following the terse exchange between Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and her Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, over Egyptian security efforts in the Sinai Peninsula, the mood has changed. The change grew out of the Hamas action of breaching the wall between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. In Jerusalem sources say they believe Cairo is interested in significantly upgrading the diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. The breach in the wall with the Gaza Strip shocked the Egyptians and led to quiet talks with Israel in an effort to find a joint solution to the problem. Aboul Gheit sent a message to Livni through his ambassador in Tel Aviv, essentially saying there was a need to talk about the Gaza problem. Livni's message was equally clear: "We want to talk, too." In late February, Aboul Gheit issued a formal invitation to Livni's aides, Aaron Abramovich and Tal Becker, to meet in Cairo. After that meeting a decision was made to continue the talks. Aboul Gheit is scheduled to meet Livni in London on Friday. Both will be attending the conference of donor nations to the Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Husam Zaki, a senior figure in Egypt's Foreign Ministry and of late an ad hoc special envoy, on Sunday, visited Israel. The message was clear: Egypt wants to continue moving closer. Senior Foreign Ministry officials say that the talks were very positive, particularly in terms of the atmosphere in which the meetings were held. Absent from the latest meetings was the coolness and biting commentary that have accompanied Egyptian criticism of Israel's policies. Indeed, there is a sense in Jerusalem that Aboul Gheit has made a clear decision to upgrade the diplomatic dialogue with Israel. The motive of the Egyptians is not entirely clear. One of the possible reasons is an understanding in Cairo that talks with the Palestinians are conducted by the Foreign Ministry in Israel, and for them to be kept updated, there is a need to develop stronger ties. Another possible factor is the desire of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry to take upon itself a larger part in bigger segment of the dialogue with Israel, which in recent years has become a near monopoly of Egypt's intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman. Finally, as in Jerusalem, it seems that in Cairo, too, internal maneuvering for power and political prestige are no less important, and the Foreign Ministry there may be vying for a more dominant position. Related articles: Nazir Majali / Why lose Egypt? Foreign Min. backs Egyptian request to double its forces on Gaza border Akiva Eldar / No one is righteous Bookmark to del.icio.us   Deterring Tehran Bush: Disclosure of IAF strike on Syria sends a message to Iran. A lesser evil In Haaretz issue from 1932, Hitler makes a better impression than expected.   1.   Hamas/Muslim League Is Common Enemy 03:40  |  dyinglikeflies 30/04/08   2.   of course they sing harmoniously 06:35  |  chaim 30/04/08   3.   EGYPT IS AFRAID OF HAMAS AND REBEL GAZANS.HAMAS GOOD FOR ISRAEL)) 08:00  |  VOICE of MOSHIACH))) 30/04/08   4.   stop the dishonesty 12:10  |  joejoe 30/04/08

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