Baz highlights importance of Mubarak's visit to US
Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000

A senior diplomat said President Hosni Mubarak's forthcoming visit to the US has two dimensions: one bilateral and another regional.

"This period is sensitive in the US politics as it is ahead of a hectic election campaign between Democrat candidate Vice President Al Gore and his Republican rival George Bush, Jr.," said Dr. Osama El-Baz, political advisor to President Hosni Mubarak.

In an interview with "Good Morning Egypt" program on Wednesday, Baz said "It is vital now to explain to the Administration the priorities Egypt is expecting from the US."

"On the bilateral level, Egypt is demanding a US assistance in the industrial, agricultural and service development, especially procurement of the latest hi-tech," said Baz to the US.

Egypt also wants the US aid to continue in parallel with the social and economic development program as well as the military assistance to boost the Egyptian future defense potentials, added the veteran politician. He underlined the necessity to increase the Egyptian exports.

Baz said the Middle East peace process and the current momentum on the Palestinian track will also figure high on the agenda of President Mubarak in Washington.

"Following Sharm El Sheikh conference, a string of elements set in the accords has been implemented in accordance with the timetable put in the Sharm E1 Sheikh accord," said Baz.

"These included an Israeli handover of 6.1 per cent of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority, setting free more Palestinian prisoners, the release of Palestinian funds in the Israeli coffers and the serious endeavors to open the northern safe passage so that the territories to be under the Palestinian rule become geographically contingent," added Baz.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak's US visit underlines depth of Egyptian-US relations   (3/21/2000)
  Egypt-US relations based on partnership   (3/21/2000)
  Peace issue at forefront of Mubarak talks in Washington   (3/21/2000)

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