Egyptian officials say the country's former ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Bassiouni, who was recalled last year, has tendered his resignation just after his appointment to the country's Shura Council, said reports.
It was not clear Monday if President Hosni Mubarak's appointment of Bassiouni to the council, a kind of senate without lawmaking powers, would bar him from returning to his job in Tel Aviv, but the resignation has raised speculation.
However, the officials, quoted by Abu Dhabi satellite channel, fell short of saying whether a successor was to be appointed to fill the vacancy.
Mubarak decided to withdraw Bassiouni on November 21 in protest of Israel's "escalating aggression" against the Palestinians, the day after the Jewish state launched a massive bombardment of Gaza City.
Bassiouni was among 45 Egyptians appointed by the president to the consultative council. Their appointments became effective Sunday.
Bassiouni has said Egypt will only send an ambassador back to Tel Aviv once Israel ends its violence against the Palestinians, takes steps to rebuild trust, and returns to peace talks.
According to an analyst speaking to Abu Dhabi satellite channel, the appointment of Bassiouni is by no means an indication of Egypt’s intention to sever relations its with Israel.
He added that the return of an envoy to Tel Aviv would happen, but “not soon.” -Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
