Communicated by Defense Minister's Media Coordinator Jerusalem, 21 January 1997 DM Mordechai meets with U.S. Ambassadors to Egypt and Israel Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai met this morning (Tuesday), 21.1.97, with U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Edward Walker and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk. The meeting mainly dealt with the strategic situation in the Middle East, progress in the peace process and possible ways to effect a rapprochement between Israel and Egypt. Ambassador Walker briefed Defense Minister Mordechai on the positive repercussions of his meetings with Egyptian President Mubarak and Defense Minister Tantawi and said that -- in his opinion -- the signing of the Hebron agreement had led to a change in atmosphere in the Middle East and would facilitate progress in the process. Defense Minister Mordechai briefed Ambassador Walker on Israel's security concerns and the government's willingness to advance the peace process. "We are ready to resume the negotiations with Syria at any time", the Defense Minister said. Defense Minister Mordechai further clarified his understanding that the peace between Israel, and Egypt and Jordan is a "strategic peace" which must be maintained and cultivated. He said that he was most impressed by the remarks of President Mubarak and Defense Minister Tantawi, who had requested that the concept of war no longer be included in the two countries' lexicon, and added that there are proposals and ways to "warm up" relation between the two countries, in security and other fields. Ambassadors Walker and Indyk reiterated that the United States is interested in enhancing the relationship between Israel and Egypt, and is prepared to assist in any way possible.