Mubarak receives massage from Bush
Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/29/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher returned home late Friday, winding up a visit to the U.S. during which he met with U.S. President George W. Bush who handed him a message to President Hosni Mubarak.

Maher explained that Bush entrusted him with a message to Mubarak. He pointed out that he held talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell on the efforts being exerted to combat terrorism and that they exchanged viewpoints in this respect.

The message dealt with the latest developments resulting from the terrorist attacks carried out against Washington and New York on September 11.

"Despite the feelings of sorrow and anger prevailing among the American people, but the government and people are well aware of the importance of making steady and rational moves in a way that could rally world support for the issue of combating terrorism," he said, adding that Egypt backs this issue.

Responding to a question on the legitimacy of the possible American military response to the Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden's bases in Afghanistan, Maher said: "We have no idea about any U.S. military plans," adding that the American side did not reveal any military plans.

"As far as we know the American moves would be carried out within the context of the international legitimacy and keenness on the lives of civilians," he said, noting that this action should be directed against the perpetrators with the presence of clear evidences in this respect.

Maher noted that the U.S. and Egypt would cooperate as regards the exchange of information to serve the investigations of suspects involved in these terrorist attacks.

Maher said that Bush entrusted him with a message to Mubarak in response to a previous one sent by President Mubarak to him.

He said that Mubarak's message was welcomed by Bush who is appreciating Mubarak's viewpoints which the U.S. President had called for himself.

Maher termed his visit to the U.S. as "very important and successful", especially in light of the current circumstances as Egypt and the U.s. should exchange viewpoints.

Mubarak's message to Bush clarified Egypt's stances regarding the efforts exerted to combat terrorism, he said, adding that Egypt is a leading country in calling for garnering international efforts against terrorism.

In 1986, Mubarak suggested holding an international conference on terrorism, he said, this proposal still exists and attains appreciation of all parties.

Maher said that Mubarak's message also covered the Middle East peace process and the necessity of taking an action to salvage it on the bases of the agreed terms of reference and understandings.

On the other hand, Maher said that Egypt has been denouncing any criminal attacks such as the one that took place in New York.

Egypt believes that investigations should be minutely carried out, Maher said, adding that there should be a cautious response by the US and within the context of an international consensus represented on the part of the United Nations.

Previous Stories:
  Maher, Powell in a joint press conference   (9/27/2001)
  Egypt backs US, Mubarak tells Bush   (9/26/2001)
  Mubarak sends letter to Bush   (9/24/2001)

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