CAIRO (AFP) – The Arab League’s outgoing chief and Egyptian presidential candidate Amr Musa told French television on Thursday that he wants to work for peace between Israel and Palestinians but not at any price.

“Egypt’s position will have to get back to a position of influence in the region and to follow the right policy, which is to establish peace, not at any price,” he told France 24 during a visit to Paris.

“Not just to move around, joining meetings and so on, but to work diligently and seriously to establish peace. This is what I intend to do if I’m elected,” he said.

The 74-year old is considered a leading candidate for the election scheduled to be held by the end of this year. He has been a harsh critic of Israel, which he accuses of stalling peace talks with the Palestinians.

He served as Egypt’s foreign minister until 2001 in the government of president Hosni Mubarak, who was overthrown by a popular revolt in February.

Musa said rebuilding Egypt “requires peace and stability around us. It certainly doesn’t need adventurous policies. But at the same time … we need fairness, and our commitment to Palestinian statehood is unshakable”.

Egypt in 1979 became the first Arab country to make peace with Israel.