Maher: Egypt agrees with EU on necessity of resolving Mideast crisis
Egypt-European Union, Politics, 10/13/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher stressed that Egypt's views were identical with those of the EU on the necessity of taking a quick action to solve the Middle East crisis, particularly in light of Washington's recent positive view.

The European Union is willing to work with the U.S. to reach a fair, comprehensive solution in the Middle East in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the Madrid conference land-for-peace principle, Maher said in statements to following a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Louis Michel.

UN security chief Javier Solana is due to visit the region soon to follow up the latest developments, Maher said.

Maher said Egypt and the EU sides agreed to cooperate in fighting terrorism, adding that the two sides were not expecting any attack on any Arab country because this would further complicate matters.

On the Euro-African ministerial conference, Maher said the meeting was a very important shift in cooperation between the two continents.

The top Egyptian diplomat reaffirmed the Egyptian people's solidarity with the American people as regards the sad September 11 events.

Maher noted that Egypt and several Arab countries have suffered from terrorism.

American attacks should be limited to targeted persons and not to forget the rights of the Afghan civilians, Maher said.

He urged the US not to extend attacks to other countries, especially Arab ones.

This escalation would lead to very serious consequences at the political and legal levels, Maher said.

As regards the situation in the Middle East, Maher said the current poisonous atmosphere encourages extremist parties to benefit from it and carry out illegitimate activities.

Europe and the US are well aware of this point, Maher said, alluding to the recent contacts between President Hosni Mubarak and US President George W. Bush.

Maher, meanwhile, lauded Bush's statements in support of a sovereign Palestinian state.

He asserted the Arab countries' keenness on settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the international law and international legitimacy resolutions.

Previous Stories:
  Wali praises Mubarak 's position on terrorism   (10/9/2001)
  EU supports Mubarak's call on terrorism-combat   (10/9/2001)
  Mubarak will never accept 'Crusade' term   (9/20/2001)

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