Egyptian-US summit tackles ME peace, partnership
Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/28/2000

"President Bill Clinton will brief President Hosni Mubarak today at the White House on the outcome of his summit with Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad in Geneva Sunday," American sources said, an official Egyptian statement reported.

"Clinton will brief Mubarak over the contents of his talks with Assad and his evaluation of the summit's outcome," the sources added. Clinton arrived home at dawn Monday from Geneva, where he held three hours of talks with Assad.

Official American statements, made after the Clinton-Assad meeting, showed that hopes and expectations, that were pinned on this summit, had receded.

White House Spokesman Joe Lockhart said it was impossible to determine when the Syrian-Israeli talks could be resumed, but said there were fundamental differences between the two sides.

"From the American viewpoint, it would not be useful to resume talks at this point," he added.

The "Washington Post" meantime, said Clinton was disappointed by the failure to reach progress at the Geneva Summit.

"He had hoped to achieve a major foreign policy gain before the end of his term, especially when it came to the realization of peace in the ME and Northern Ireland," the paper said.

The Washington Post also quoted Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor Osama el Baz as saying that Mubarak's visit to the US capital comes at a crucial phase of the ME peace process.

"The President will have talks of extreme important with Clinton, the chairmen of the major congressional committees and representatives of the democratic and republic parties," said Baz.

"Mubarak will emphasize the importance of the American active participation in the peace process, especially on the Palestinian and Syrian tracks and that this participation must continue," he added.

"Mubarak will also reiterate that Israel must unconditionally withdraw from south Lebanon," Baz said.

"At his talks with the various officials, Mubarak will speak of his interest in encouraging American companies to invest in Egypt and the transfer of Hi-tech," Baz added.

"He will further examine ways to increase Egyptian exports to the US, narrow the trade gap and establish a balanced relationship based on stability and continuity," he stressed.

Commenting on the Geneva Summit, the "Washington Times" of Monday, reported that Clinton administration was still hoping to revive and resume the Syrian-Israeli peace talks.

"The administration is sustaining its efforts and is also seeking the help of Mubarak," it said. American administration officials say Clinton eyes Mubarak as the best and last remaining chance for the resumption of the Syrian-Israeli talks.

Within this context, the Paper referred to Mubarak's presence in Washington and his meeting Tuesday with Clinton, Vice President A1 Gore and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Previous Stories:
  Moussa in Washington addresses Egypt - US relations   (3/27/2000)
  Egypt exerts utmost efforts to achieve Mideast peace   (3/27/2000)
  Ebeid hails Mubarak's Washington visit as historic   (3/25/2000)

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