Embassy in Washington looks after Egyptians in US
Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/17/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher Sunday said that the Egyptian Embassy in Washington follows the situation as regards Egyptians who are summoned for investigations in connection with the September 11 bombings.

Speaking to diplomatic reporters Sunday, Maher said that any Egyptian who faces trouble in any country receives the attention of the Egyptian embassy and consulate which follow up the subject and ascertain the true facts about levelling charges against him.

Maher told a questioner that the number of Egyptians, who might have been killed the World Trade Centre collapse is not known so far.

"We have information that some Egyptians were working at the centre. But their identities have not been made known so far," he said.

The Foreign Minister said that no information has been received that there were Egyptians on the planes which were hijacked and were used in destroying the World Trade Centre.

In reply to a question, Maher said that there was a trend to postpone meetings of the U.N. General Assembly, but no announcement was made so far.

He pointed out that American security agencies expressed a wish that high-level delegations should not go to New York in the present circumstances because it would be difficult to ensure their safety.

Foreign Minister said in reply to a question that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has rejected a meeting between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.

" Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people in Palestinian territories is continuing".

In addition to the fact that this represents bad intention, it is met with increasing rejection by world countries.

"Washington has asked for a meeting between Arafat and Sharon," pointed out.

"Israel believes that the whole world can not and has not the time to stand against its behaviour. Israel is mistaken," the Foreign Minister said.

Queried about contacts made by Egypt at present to stop deterioration in Palestinian territories, Maher said: "We are making intensive contacts."

Egyptian ambassadors in different countries have been asked to contact the governments in the countries in which they are accredited within this framework.

On proposals to hold an international peace conference, he said there are many proposals.

They all indicate world interest in putting an end to the present situation although the world is preoccupied with events in the United States.

"But we shall not let it (the world) forget that there is a very important issue and that Israel is exploiting these events (in the United States)," the Foreign Minister said.

Previous Stories:
  There are Egyptian victims in WTC attacks   (9/15/2001)
  Egyptian installations in US secured   (9/15/2001)
  No threats against US nationals, interests in Egypt   (9/15/2001)

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