Mubarak, Russian envoy discuss reactivating Moscow role
Egypt-Russia, Politics, 6/13/2001

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has expressed hope to see a movement on the Palestinian Israeli track in the light of the underway contacts on ceasefire in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Answering a question on whether a timetable has been reached on ceasefire, the President said they have not agreed on it yet.

President Mubarak yesterday discussed with Russian envoy to the Mideast peace process Andre Vdovin, the Russian role in the peace process.

The meeting, attended by Russian Ambassador to Egypt Andrei Denisov, to put an end to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, aimed at maintaining the ceasefire and resuming peace negotiations.

The Russian envoy arrived in Cairo on Monday on a two-day visit to Egypt as part of a tour of the Middle East that took him to Palestinian self-rule areas and Israel.

Vdovin's tour, which falls within the context of intensive world efforts, as Russia is a co-sponsor of peace in the region, takes place before holding the Russian-US summit in Europe on Sunday.

In statements to reporters following the meeting, Vdovin said the meeting was very encouraging, especially to Russia's role in the Mideast peace process.

Russia is determined to play a more active role in the area in coordination with the parties concerned, the US co-sponsor of peace, the European Union and UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, who will arrive in Cairo on Wednesday, he said.

He referred to the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative which was presented before the Mitchell Commission report, saying the report includes many items mentioned in the initiative.

He voiced hope that the peace negotiations could be reached in order to give the Palestinians their right to self-determination and guarantee security of the Israeli people.

Asked on Russia's plans in the Mideast, Vdovin said there are many plans, adding that current efforts are enough but should be unified; otherwise, nothing will be reached.

Replying to a query on an improvement in the situation in light of ongoing international efforts, the Russian envoy said the situation is very tense and prompt political and security solutions should be reached in order to put an end to the suffering of the besieged Palestinian people.

Asked to comment on statements by Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon in which he warned the European Union against supporting the Palestinians, Vdovin said he did not wish to make any comments, adding that he believes that Sharon was only expressing his personal views.

It is very important that the EU and the co-sponsors of peace continue their efforts, he emphasized.

Replying to a question by MENA on the Russian-US summit on Sunday the Russian official said it will cover the current developments in the Middle East.

Asked on whether Russia will exercise pressures on Sharon during his upcoming visit to Moscow to force him to respond to international efforts, Vdovin said Russia always focuses in its contacts with Israel on the Mitchell Commission report and the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative.

As for the Putin-Bush summit, due to take place in Slovenia within the coming few days, the Russian envoy said there is no doubt that the Mideast issues will be one of the main topics on the agenda.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak's visit to Moscow, new horizons for Egypt-Russia cooperation   (5/3/2001)
  Mubarak hails friendly relations with Russia   (4/28/2001)
  Mubarak, Russian PM review means of promoting relations   (4/28/2001)

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