The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 7

Page? Political analyst and cartoonist RANAN LURIE talks to the President of Egypt and the new Israeli Prime Minister st summit to a The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday, January 10, 1985 Ea "teas southern Lebanon being integrated within the overall framework of the Lebanese Army. We don't insist that. they remain a separate force forever. What is Israel's attitude to the West Bank? Do you see a total solution to the problem there? 1 We have two options. One is to implement the second chapter of the Camp David autonomy plan which Egypt and Israel signed to renegotiate the outstanding issues between Egypt and ourselves the other alternative is to negotiate with King Hussein of Jordan, with a joint delegation from Jordan, and representatives of the Palestinians who reside on the West Bank and Gaza, excluding the PLO.

Yon just said you refused the chat of I told you I'm ready to meet with him, but I don't want to embarrass public opinion. In Egypt? Yes. It's -very important I can't 35 anything against the public opinion, like any other leader. Could Peres do something against public opinion in Israel? Are you going through the Israeli Embassy for contacts with Peres? No, I prefer direct contact Like President Sadat used to? Yes. I'll send him somebody; he'll send me somebody.

Do you feel that Peres is coming across stronger than was the case before? Tell him I am very optimistic since-he has come to power. I notice every single statement of his and I think he may have noticed that I never made a statement against him. But when Shamir said: "No, we are not going to give Taba," and Sharon said: "We are not going to give although Peres said he was ready to return Taba, I told them: "Please, do you want to complicate the whole thing with the people here? Our people listen to the radio!" Do you think Peres would be the best Israeli Prime Minister to handle relations with the Arab countries? I think he's a very good man. I am very optimistic since he came to power, because he's very flexible. how can you tell them not to do it? No, I can't tell them, except that they didn't elect anybody.

President Mubarak was duly elected by his people. I don't know of anyone among the Palestinians, short of the mayors of the West Bank, who were Why don't you make a dramatic Israeli gesture towards the Arabs specifically, Egypt in the same way Sadat made a move towards Israel? I would gladly go to Cairo without prior conditions. I would gladly go to Amman without prior conditions. I would speak to the leaders of these countries without advance promises from them. What shall I tell President Mubarak, if he says to me that the Israelis are not respecting' the Camp David accord in regard to the West Bank? Tell him that, as far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to implement the agreement that bur two countries have signed in letter and in spirit Tell him it is normal that in the interpretation of such an agreement there is more than one view, and is our duty to turn the two views into an accepted one by our two countries.

Is there anything you would like me to tell President Mubarak when I meet him in a few days? You can tell him that we respect the very special place that Egypt holds in the Middle East and we pray for the prosperity of Egypt I am not trying to impose our views upon Egypt Furthermore, I am ready to respect the views of Egypt When there is a disagreement of any sort, of any dimension, it is within our capacity to overcome it When Israel chose its PM, I was very anxious for Peres to take over. off Qsmfl IURIE: Would you let any new border disputes, such as the dispute over 'Taba a chunk of 800 square metres near Eilat which both Egypt and Israel are claiming obstruct the process of peace? Peres: All of us should be concerned that the first peace of the Middle East should not become the last peace of the Middle East Not only should we settle our doubts on the issues, but we should continue together to work for peace. We cannot afford what you have described as "minute" disputes over Taba between our two countries. We can easily solve them. Doesn't peace, like justice, not only have to be done, but be seen to be done? Your visit to Cairo, or President Mubarak's visit to Israel, could give momentum and prestige to peace.

I believe that we have to show to our people that this is not just a peace between two governments, but also between people. Egypt is lucky to have a natural, powerful leader like President Mubarak, whom the world learned very quickly to respect and to trust Through negotiations with an Arab leader like President Mubarak, Israel can achieve important steps towards a comprehensive, total peace. I really trust and respect him. Isn't peace, especially for Israel and Egypt, an economic factor? I think that the potential for economic development between our two countries is tremendous and untouched. We have to add the economic aspect to the political aspect of relationship.

Allow me, Mr Prime Minister, to appoint you President of Egypt for three minutes. Would you, as the Egyptian President, show friendship to a country that has invaded and is occupying a sister country Lebanon? I wouldn't accept nomination as President of Egypt even for three minutes because it is for the Egyptians to elect their own President and it is for me to respect both the President of Egypt and their elections. But I think Israel is convinced that we bave to leave Lebanon as soon as possible I can tell you that we do not intend to remain on Lebanese soil forever. Could you foresee a situation where Israel would stay in Lebanon at least another half year? I don't like calendars, or making prophecies, but I can tell you I wish it could be done earlier, and we should try to do our very best to achieve this in a rather short period of time. Do you still insist on leaving southern Lebanon to the independent Lebanese units (General Lahad's forces which are allies of Israel? This can be one solution.

We don't object to the Lebanese local forces in The spirit of Camp David was not fulfilled. Now there is a new element: that the Palestinians and King Hussein should participate in the negotiations. Peres is very understanding. When I read his statement that I'm ready to go forward to negotiate under any name, it sounded very good, very flexible. So I think if we could persuade the Palestinians to declare their link or coordination with King Hussein, it will be a very good step forward; Yet now there are discussions between the Palestinians and Hussein.

We are pushing them to find a way for coordinating with Hussein so as to find a way for the negotiations to start. In this way, the Palestinians themselves will determine their future during the negotiations. All of us should come to the negotiating table. This is the only way to solve the problem. To make a "Camp David" of four factors: the Palestinians, the Jordanians, the Egyptians, the Israelis? Yes.

When are you going to meet King Hussein There is not an exact date, but maybe this month. And after the meeting with King Hussein, a meeting with Prime Minister Peres? URIE: President Mubarak, what are your feelings about Prime Minis ter Peres? Mubarak: He's a good man, and I would like to help him but in a way which does not create problems. I was very pleased when Israel chose its Prime really I was very anxious for Peres to take over. And, concerning peace, we started the peace process, and we are for peace. The voices which sometimes come out from Israel about Egypt supposedly violating the Camp David agreement I don't give any attention to them, because I'm committed to peace, not only between Israel and Egypt but for the whole area I'm ready to meet with Peres, but on condition there will be good results stemming from the meeting.

Could you not meet him right now Mubarak: I could meet him now, but what's the point of meeting with him without getting any output from the meeting? When I go to meet with Peres the Egyptian people will be expecting good results. It will be a turning point for Cairo public opinion. The area of Taba isn't worth all this big fuss. We are not going to gather a fortune from Taba but Taba is the main issue in this country. So I told him Peres just let us negotiate and come to a decisive settlement first about the Taba problem.

This will help public opinion here very much. But the Likud said, "No, we are against returning Taba." The people hear this on the Voice of America and the BBC everywhere. The second point is the withdrawal from Lebanon. I know that they Israel want to withdraw from Lebanon to avoid killing their people there. I know that their decision is to withdraw completely.

The third point is the Palestinian problem this is the most complicated problem. I think these three points are very easy to achieve. We are eager to meet with him Peres as soon as possible, but at the appropriate time. I would like to choose a good time, prepare the atmosphere, the ground, agree on some points between me and him. I asked Prime Minister Peres in our interview: how can you two bicker? I was thinking about Taba, which is about 800 square metres.

It's nothing but a hotel. Israel occupied it in 1956 then, after a complete withdrawal, they left Taba. Why now make an issue of it Peres told me that everything can be solved. I asked him, "Why don't you do what President Sadat and Alexander the Great did cut the knot instead of starting to untie it little by little, cut with a big sword of peace?" Peres said to me, "Please tell President Mubarak that I am ready to go anywhere to meet with President Mubarak and solve everything, talk in good faith. What we need is real peace not just a piece of paper real peace where the two countries can help CLOAK AND DAGGER Directed by Richard Franklin Rated Village Cinema City is wonderfully oily, San Antonio sweat trickling down his neck as he pursues.

Davey with a gun almost as tall as the victim. Christina Nigra, who plays Kim, is one of those precocious American youngsters who engages you onscreen but leaves you grateful that she is not one of the neighbour's children. Henry Thomas is a gifted actor. His Davey is moored to an inner life, and does not depend on the outside world. His capacity to remain receptive is not always perceived by others who see only a small, self-contained boy.

With his slight frame, earnest freckled face and determined set of the shoulders, Thomas is the very heart of Cloak and Dagger. JUDITH FOX 6 All of us should be concerned that the first peace of the Middle East won't be the last one. 9 becoming the President of Egypt for three minutes because you did not want to interfere in the Egyptian authority and sovereignty, but you are doing it right now with the Palestinians. If the Palestinians want to appoint Idi Amin, or the King of Norway, or Yasser Arafat as their representative, ELECTRIC BOOGALOO Directed by Sam Firstenberg Rated Hoyts By JUDITH FOX ends neatly tied away in order to present a polished, professional production. Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) is from a wealthy middle-class family but is perfectly at home on the streets.

Her dancing partners Ozone (Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quinones) arid Turbo (Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers) are poor boys, but eminently capable of delivering impromptu stirring speeches at city hall, or recreating Fred Astaire moves around the walls and ceiling of their bright and interesting flat In this film, class difference is a matter lifestyle. The acting's not great and the dialogue sometimes worse, but the spirit of locking, popping and breaking as non-violent confrontation fuels the film. Winsomeness wins the day, even if it is clothed in tough-looking or outrageous costume. "We Shall Overcome" is inscribed on the plot but not at all applicable to the film as a whole where everything is in place before the battle begins. Electric Boogaloo boogies around the backlots.

with great geniality. Breakdancing here could just as easily refer to showbiz luck, but in the words of the Tom Tom Club song: "Who needs to think when your feet just go!" I FOUND Peres was really concerned with the welfare of his own people, wanting to improve once and for ail the economic and the social situation ih Israel and improve relations with the Arab world, especially with Egypt, because he sees tremendous economic possibilities for both countries. But there's one point on which he is adamant and this is Yasser Arafat who, he claims, does not represent the Palestinian people. Yasser Arafat is a very moderate man. Moderate? Arafat? Believe me.

I think Yasser now is in the best position to take the leadership of the Palestinians. It's not easy to lead the Palestinians. He's the best man and time will prove it Do you think that you could become a bridge between Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians, and Peres and the Israelis? Why not? I'm seizing every single opportunity for that. One last word: tell Peres that I'm doing my best I would like to meet him, but I don't want the meeting to be spoiled or I want the meeting to have an output to go forward. But please tell him "We respect peace, and that we are for peace and that we respect our commitments.

We will never forget not like Shamir who said, "Egypt is violating the Cainp David accord." Tell Peres that Shamir himself didn't agree to the Camp David agreement How could Shamir dare tell us that are violating Camp David, violating something that he didn't agree on anyhow? Peres agreed. I would accept it from Peres if he said that we had violated the Camp David agreement I would have answered him not publicly, you understand. You do realise that in another 20 months Shamir will become Israel's Prime Minister? We'd like to make use of these .20 months. As long as there is good between both of us, I think in -20 months we could achieve achieve things. That's why I'm doing my best Norte is concerned with humanity.

Director Nava was hopeful of translating the dream realism of writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez into cinematic terms. One can only admire his intention, but the fantasy element ia Norte suffers from a lack of deftness. The direction is forced, so that all that remains is an occasional image of great beauty, such as when Rosa returns home to find her mother gone and the house filled with butterflies. Directorial effort marks the film-At 139 minutes, El Norte is long and suspense is not slackened after the first few scenes. Perhaps the film-makers intended that the audience should endure constant anxiety as a projection of the fear Rosa and Enrique experience daily.

Nava and Thomas are UCLA Film School graduates turned independent concerned film-makers. El Norte is a good film that suffers from too much intention. JUDITH FOX USA overdone Streetdance scores one for good guys each other economically and from a scientific point of When I asked him about Lebanon, Peres declared that he would like to return his boys from Lebanon as soon as possible. I know. Peres declared that he has no objection to General Lahad's forces being integrated into the Lebanese Army.

This overcomes a very important obstacle because, until now, the Israelis claimed that one of the important solutions would be to keep Lebanon under the control of the pro-Israeli forces of General Lahad. I am sure that Peres wants to reach a good settlement. I know that he is eager to withdraw completely from Lebanon. It's very encouraging, frankly, but the point is not Lebanon; it's also Syria, which is creating problems for us. And he knows that very well.

I think a complete withdrawal would be very encouraging, not only to us but to other Arab countries. Peres specifically used the expression West Bank not Samaria and Judea, which was typical of Begin. Yes, I know. These negotiations on autonomy during Begin's term came to a deadlock. Begin has another conception of autonomy, which we don't agree with.

When President Carter was in Israel, he said that the Israelis didn't explain the Camp David accord as it was agreed upon. Slap at A GUATEMALAN peasant is murdered by the army for trying to organise the workers. His wife is taken away in a truck. His son and daughter, under threat simply because they are family, flee their native soil for the promised land of the north the United States. El Norte is divided into three sections.

The first part establishes a family and community life rich in warmth and colour. The daughter Rosa is courted through bars, after a meal shared in love. Her brother, Enrique, though working in the fields with his father, is considered too young for radical activity. Kinship is revered as the source of support and protection. The eruption of violence and the disruption of the family lead to the second part of the film which traces Enrique and Rosa's journey north.

Colours fade as they approach the border between Mexico and the US. Life is reduced to a dun coloured, rat infested sewerage tunnel which marks their entry into the land of flush toilets, electric lights and lawn sprinklers. Their support has been whittled away to a great love for each other and a vision of America inspired by old copies of Good Housekeeping. Life in Los Angeles sees a return to colour, but now it is the cold radiance of neon that illuminates the screen, or the glaring hues of store-bought clothes and lipstick that Rosa acquires. "You look like a clown," Enrique tells his sister.

"I look like an American," she responds. Rosa and Enrique find employment and learn English in their version of the American dream for illegal immigrants. Freedom is seemingly available through the satisfaction of material wants. Film-makers Nava and Thomas have a moral message to deliver, however. El Norte is an indictment of that land of promise which in close-up from underneath reveals itself to b.e merely dross and gloss.

Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) and Ozone (Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quinones) in Electric Boogaloo. Hide and seek with Hitchcock Gutierrez as Rosa 'indictment of the land of promise ITS been a long time since I've seen an audience spontaneously cheer at the Close of a film. This says something for the sheer good humour of Breakdance II Electric Boogaloo. It also acts as a comment on the force of winning in movies, even though it may not be against all odds or expectations. Electric Boogaloo is about some nasty real estate developers planning to bulldoze the local community centre, Miracles, to make way for a shopping mall, and how the kids put on a show to raise the money to stop them.

Shades of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney hover, proving that energetic and talented youth power is still a marketable commodity in American films. Producers Golan and Globus, finally attaining a rating after a showbiz start on the seedier side of town, show that there's a lot of money to be made here. They are counting the box office receipts while their film lifts breakdanc-ing right out of the streets and onto the stage, where streetjive becomes spectacle. The kids are after dollars too, on their dias in front of a crowd. Electric Boogaloo is the sequel to Breakdance.

so reassembles the TKO crew of Kelly, Ozone and Turbo. Their flair for dancing leadership motivates them to co-ordinate the effort to "Save a rather coy reference on the part of the film to its own navel. Indeed, Miracles is seen to be aptly named, for this community centre unifies the sexes, all ages and all races. Colourful and diverse, the overall impression is one of homogeneity, but then that's showbusiness. All rough surfaces are smoothed over and loose RICHARD Franklin has always been an admirer of Hitchcock, and in Cloak and Dagger Franklin again makes use of a range of Hitchcockian devices.

In some ways the film works as a pastiche of familiar scenes from early films such as The Man Who Knew Too Muck through to Family Plot, but Franklin is so comfortable in his direction that recognition of the source works rather like a sub-text to the film. Hitchcock is perfect for trivial pursuits of the cinema. Henry Thomas plays Dave Osborne, who likes role-playing games with his imaginary friend, Jack Flack, the spitting image of Davey's dad, and a real friend from down the road. Illusion and reality shift ground constantly as Davey devises ever more complicated tasks for himself, often utilising a video game called Cloak and Dagger. The.superspy fantasy tips over into reality when Davey witnesses a murder.

Michael Murphy as head villain, Rice, EL NORTE Directed by Gregory Nava Rated Academy Twin Enrique and Rosa's journey brings them to an America devoid of humanity, where survival is spiritual annihilation. This is in sharp contrast to Guatemala, where you can lose your head but not, apparently, your soul. There are many things to like about this film. It is an epic tale given meaning through non-romantic portrayals of Rosa and Enrique by Zaide Silvia Gutierrez and David pando, two respected Mexican actors. The film is in Spanish with English sub-titles and for once only the bit parts belong to the white English speakers.

A gentle humour pervades the section dealing with America for, above all, El.