Aznar's visit deepens bilateral relations
Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/15/2001

In an interview with MENA before leaving Cairo Tuesday night for Israel, Aznar said that his visit to Egypt had reflected the depth of bilateral relations which have considerably advanced at the various levels.

"Talks with President Mubarak were positive," he said, praising distinguished and excellent "relations" between Egypt and Spain.

He underlined that these relations fall within his interests due to Egypt's strategic position and capabilities especially after the signing of two bilateral agreements on tourism development and small loans.

Aznar said that his talks with President Mubarak had dealt with the possibility of increasing joint technological cooperation in order to step up economic cooperation.

He said that he was very pleased with the Egyptian European partnership agreement, recently initialed.

This agreement would draw up new relations with Europe in general and deepen political and economic dialogue between the Spanish and Egyptian leaderships in general, he added.

Aznar expressed appreciation for the "very positive" Egyptian initiative of the Mediterranean forum to activate the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and the importance of the Egyptian role in this dialogue.

He added that he had spoken with President Mubarak of taking steps in this respect and creating appropriate atmosphere for this purpose during Spain's chairmanship of the EU.

He referred to ways of cooperation for boosting the Barcelona process at various trade and economic levels. "We could not at present speak of a security charter due to the current situation in the region," he added.

Aznar said that his talks with the President had dwelt on the Middle East situation. His visit to the region is an opportunity for learning about what could be done so as to reach solutions to the problem, he added.

"He is convinced of the necessity of pushing forward the Middle East peace process launched ten years ago in Madrid "he said.

It would not be wise to skip what has so far been achieved in this respect.

"The important thing is to go on with the peace process and stick to what has been achieved," he said.

The new Israeli government has to outline its policy and we on our part shall to wait and see, open the door and listen to the Israeli government's view, he added.

"There is also a new American administration that ought to draw up its policy," he said.

We have to wait for the outcome of the coming tour of US Secretary of State Colin Powell in the region, he added.

He stressed the necessity of bringing about security in the Middle East and supporting the Palestinian economy within the peace process to avoid the eruption of more violence.

On the Spanish stance as regards sanctions imposed on Libya, Aznar said that it is a matter of time, hoping that relations between Tripoli and the international community would be brought back to normal.

"We follow up closely the new American administrations' stance towards the situation in Iraq," he said.

He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human conditions in Iraq and expressed hope that positive measures would be taken to improve them.

On the use of depleted uranium in the Gulf war and Kosovo, Aznar said Spain rejects war and supports peace, adding that no cases have been reported among the Spanish sliders who had served in Kosovo.

"Spain will give to priorities during its coming chairmanship of the EU, to Euro-Mediterranean policy, the Latin America Europe cooperation and to expansion of the EU membership," he said.

Previous Stories:
  Enhancing the climate of confidence to sustain peace process   (2/14/2001)
  Mubarak-Aznar focus on peace process   (2/14/2001)
  Enhancing the climate of confidence to sustain peace process   (2/13/2001)

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