SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Feb 8 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday agreed a ceasefire at a landmark summit meeting in Egypt, fuelling hopes of a breakthrough in the peace process.
Herewith are some of the key quotes from the concluding statements of Abbas, Sharon and their host Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak from the meeting at the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

-- SHARON --

- "In my meeting with Mr. Abbas today, I have reached an agreement where the Palestinians will cease all of their actions of violence against the Israelis everywhere and in parallel, Israel will cease its military operations against Palestinians in all locations."
- "Today will be the day that marks the relaunching of the process for a better future that will lead us towards mutual respect and peace in the Middle East," he said.
- "We have an opportunity to turn our back on the bloody path imposed on us over the last four years."
- "I am absolutely determined to implement the disengagement plan which I have initiated," he said, referring to Israel's pullout from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
- "It was initiated as unilateral step by us but if a real change actually comes about from the Palestinian side, then the disengagement can bring about peace and act as a new launching point for a coordinated and successful plan."
- But he said it was a "fragile opportunity" for peace, warning that there were still "extremists" waiting to derail the process.

-- ABBAS --
- "We have agreed with the prime minister to cease all acts of violence against Israelis and against Palestinians wherever they are."
"The calm that is currently prevailing in our territories signals the start of a new era, the start of a hopeful peace," he added.
- "What we have announced today is the implementation of the first phase of the roadmap ... and an essential step to give us a chance to put the peace process back on track.
"It gives both people hope and confidence about the possibility that we can attain peace," he added

-- MUBARAK --
- "This meeting is an important stop and long-awaited positive development."
"They have met to work together with determination to turn the page on difficult years during which innocent people were killed, blood was shed and destruction prevailed.
- "We are meeting here to put an end to this cyle (of violence), to put things back in order and to put the wheel of peace on the right track.
"The task is very great, but our hopes are are greater."

02/08/2005 14:58 GMT - AFP