Moussa visits France, Spain; tendency in Arab states towards resolving problems
Egypt, Politics, 1/31/2001

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa paid a visit to France to hold talks with his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine during his four-leg tour in Europe.

The talks dwelt on peace process in the Middle East, Egypt's mediation between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and the Iraqi question.

On President Hosni Mubarak's latest visit to Saudi Arabia and whether there is an Egyptian mediation between Iraq and the kingdoms, Moussa reported a new tendency in the Arab world towards ratifying the annual convocation of the Arab Summit.

"President Mubarak's visit to Saudi Arabia is one of the Arab leaders to coordinate stances prior to the forthcoming summit and review the latest developments in the region, including Iraq," he added.

Moussa said that he had discussed with his French counterpart developments in the Iraqi question and the Barcelona process.

"Talks also tackled Egyptian-French cooperation, especially the establishment of a French university in Egypt as well as France's contribution to the Alexandria Library," he added.

Moussa was hopeful Egyptian-French coordination would be boosted to assist the Middle East peace process via a balanced stance so as to prevent any deterioration in the peacemaking drive.

On a setback in the European role in the peace process, Moussa said that we are studying the circumstances of the various roles, including the European one and understand the situation between 15 European states.

During his current multi-leg tour, Moussa discussed with the countries concerned with the peace process the latest developments.

Vedrine, on his part, denied any setback in the Middle East. He reaffirmed the European Middle East role, especially on the economic front, adding that the EU was promoting its role on the political arena.

On activating the French-Egyptian initiative, Vedrine said that the overture had been launched years ago under certain circumstances highlighting, at the same time, continued coordination with Egypt in that respect.

Moussa said that there is a possibility for a new initiative, adding that the two sides are exchanging views on coordination to push forward the Middle East peace process.

Asked on an overture with Iraq, Vedrine reaffirmed France's relevant stance, which calls for the implementation of UN resolutions to alleviate the sufferings of the Iraqi people.

On the other hand, Amr Moussa starts an official visit today to Madrid to hold talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique.

Moussa's talks with Pique will dwell on bilateral relations and means of developing them in the light of preparing for an Aznar's coming visit to Egypt at the invitation extended by President Mubarak on 12-13 February.

Previous Stories:
  Moussa in Madrid discusses bilateral relations, ME peace process   (1/30/2001)
  Arafat speaks on the telephone with Mubarak   (1/30/2001)
  Egypt participates in formulating UN development guidelines   (1/29/2001)

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