Egyptian delegation's visit, very positive
Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/20/2001

Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor Osama AL Baz described the current visit by the Egyptian delegation to Washington as very positive both in timing and topics addressed.

In an interview with the Abu Dhabi Satellite Channel late Sunday, Baz said that the US Administration welcomed President Hosni Mubarak's idea to send him to the US.

He added that he had a phone call with US Vice President Dick Cheney who was on a vacation.

As for the meeting with US State Secretary Colin Powel, it was scheduled on the third day of the visit on purpose in order to have the chance to meet White House and State Department officials.

Baz denied that the US administration knew ideas he conveyed ahead of his arrival.

He said that these ideas were proposed for the first time.

"Israel has gone far in aggression against the Palestinians," said Baz.

He added that quick actions with international parties were much needed.

Baz said that the Arabs approve the ideas he carried and their outlines were discussed with other Arab parties concerned.

On the ideas were about a mechanism for implementing the Mitchell recommendations, Baz said that there was no attempt to undermine the recommendations or start from scratch once again.

He voiced belief that the report is balanced and accepted by both parties.

He added that CIA director George Tenet was posted that the Palestinian actions were reactions to the Israeli violations.

Asked about contacts with Israel, Baz said that it depends on content and timing of the contact. He pointed out that a contact with the Israelis should be useful, serve a national target or convey certain urgent Palestinian demands.

"The Egyptian ambassadors will not return to Israel unless there is a tangible improvement, "said Baz.

Asked about the recent events in AL Quds (Jerusalem) and AL Aqsa Mosque, Baz said that the Aqsa Mosque is sacred and any damage to it would lead to very serious consequences and no one can stand cross-armed watching such a situation tomorrow.

The Israelis should not cross the red line because if any Israeli extremists touched Islamic holy sites, the situation would be different.

On the pro-Israel US stance, Baz warned that the US biased stance would encourage Israel to hard line ones and thus endangers the whole region.

Baz described Israeli words of a long-term regional war as farce and showy measures that seek to scare the Arabs.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak's statements on Mideast situation   (8/18/2001)
  U.S. 'inaction' weakens Arab moderates, Egypt aide warns   (8/18/2001)
  US under pressure to send observers to Middle East   (8/18/2001)

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