Mubarak, Arafat discuss ME peace prior to US visit
Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/20/2000

Egyptian President Mubarak and Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat on Wednesday morning held at the presidency headquarters an expanded session of talks.

Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that the meeting dealt with developments of the situation on the Palestinian-Israeli track.

Arafat is on his way to Washington for important talks with US President Clinton and secretary of state Madeleine Albright we have to wait for the result of those meetings before speaking of any progress or otherwise on the Palestinian track, he added.

In reply to a question on Israeli Premier Ehud Barak's declared intention to annex more lands in the West Bank and build new settlements, Moussa said this matter is not new and the Palestinians reject it.

"Once more we will not discuss this issue at the present time until we see the outcome of Arafat's meetings in Washington which we hope would lead to propelling the peace process," Moussa said.

On the Lebanese track, Moussa said developments are clear as the Israeli Foreign Minister has notified the UN Secretary General of Israel's intention to pullout of Lebanon in implementation of UN security council resolutions 425 and 426.

The UN will play its role in demarcating international borders and securing the region for a certain period till parties concerned reach understanding in this respect, especially the Lebanese government, he added.

Moussa noted that in any case, this is an important development and Egypt is at one in this respect with other Arab states including Syria, namely that any Israeli withdrawal from Arab land is undoubtedly considered as a positive step.

On issues to be discussed by Lebanese President Emile Lahoud with President Mubarak during his visit to Egypt on Thursday, Moussa said they would mainly deal with the issue of withdrawal and arrangements for it in addition to bilateral relations.

On the date of a prospective Egyptian-Syrian summit, Moussa said that "god willing, it would take place soon."

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak to meet with Arafat tomorrow   (4/17/2000)
  Shaath hails Egyptian role in the peace process   (4/10/2000)
  Mubarak meets with Arafat   (4/10/2000)

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