Egypt’s foreign minister shrugged off an assault against him by Palestinian extremists at Jerusalem’s holiest mosque, and Palestinian leaders apologized Tuesday for the attack, which marred a key mediation attempt. Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said the assault would only strengthen Egypt’s resolve to find a solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Egypt’s tightly controlled press took a far angrier tone, calling the attack “criminal” and “despicable.” Maher was trying to pray at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque — Islam’s third holiest shrine — following a rare meeting Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon had indicated to Maher that Israel would abide by a cease-fire if Palestinian militants call a truce. At Al Aqsa, several dozen protesters belonging to a small extremist group called the Islamic Liberation Movement shoved Maher hurled verbal abuse, saying “You’re not welcome here!” and charged that Egypt was helping Israel oppress the Palestinians. “You are collaborating with the killers of Muslims,” one shouted. Maher was shaken but unhurt. Full Story
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