Reconciliation among Africans given top priority
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/9/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said Africa is passing through a new stage that requires more effective work for achieving prosperity, security and peace of the continent.

He said in statements few hours before the beginning of the African Summit that reconciliation among African brothers should be given greater attention, regretting the fact that there are still many conflicts and problems raging in Africa.

He said the change of the name of the Organization of African Unity to the African Union reflects the change that is taking place on the world scene.

He said Egypt welcomes such a step that will be followed by many unionist steps, adding that it is high time for enhancing relations among African states through the establishment of such as the African parliament.

He called for encouraging direct trade exchange among the states of the continent and optimal use of human and natural resources.

Maher asserted that the US and all European countries are bored with Israel's policies regarding the Middle East peace process.

These countries sense a threat to their interests because of these Israeli policies, he added.

Israel has realized that Egypt is and will continue to be the heart of the Arab nation and that its national security is linked to that of the rest of the Arab countries, Maher stressed.

Speaking to members of the Egyptian community in Zambia, he said that Israel was mistaken to think that by inking a peace treaty Egypt would be isolated from its Arab nation.

Exhorting Arabs to close ranks and surmount rifts, Maher called on winning new friends in the world and making them aware of the perils of the situation in the region.

On accusing the UN of taking resolutions that are not implemented, the US bias for Israel and Europe's poor function, Maher said "we should not give in for such attitudes".

Although there are an obvious US bias and a weakness in the European stance, "we can still push things forward," he averred.

On the dangers of Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon's policies and how to confront them, Maher asserted that Sharon has unmasked his own intentions through the daily violence against armless Palestinians and the proposals he floats.

After talks were held on a final status settlement, Sharon began speaking about a long-term temporary settlement that he is well aware the Arabs would not buy, he asserted.

"Sharon believes in the use of force and violence," said Maher.

"In Egypt, we have prepared ourselves to all possibilities "he added.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt stresses necessity of realising African integration   (7/7/2001)
  Maher leads Egypt's delegation to African Summit   (7/5/2001)
  Mubarak receives invitation to attend coming African Summit   (6/9/2001)

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