Mubarak, Italian FM review Mideast issue
Egypt-Italy, Politics, 10/20/2001

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Thursday reviewed with Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero and his accompanying delegation the Middle East issue, combatting terrorism, the close Egyptian-Italian relations and other issues on the international arena.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher and Italy's Ambassador to Egypt Mario Sica.

The Italian Minister's delegation includes the Assistant Foreign Minister at the Middle East and Mediterranean Department.

The two-day visit will help wash away the effect of statements by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on the superiority of the Western civilization to the Islamic one.

Emerging from the meeting, Maher said that President Mubarak reviewed the Egyptian-Italian relations and the situation in the Middle East along with other issues of international concern, especially fighting terrorism.

Talks took up means of establishing peace, based on justice and legitimacy in the Middle East, added Maher.

Ruggiero, on his part, underlined that Egyptian-Italian relations are distinguished.

Egypt and Italy are of the view that an international conference on fighting terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations should be held.

Answering a question on whether there was any strategy between the US and Italy regarding European countries' extradition of the terrorists they harbour. Ruggiero said that this measure is part of judicial cooperation with the US that is now under consideration.

Ruggiero described his talks with Mubarak and Maher as very successful and constructive.

The remarks were made at a joint press conference with Maher after an official talks session the two ministers held at the Foreign Ministry, which continued for more than two hours and extended over a working lunch.

Asked about Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon's statements that he would not return more than 40 per cent of the Palestinian territories, Ruggiero said he had not heard of that, adding that he believed there was still a window open for discussions to push forward the Middle East peace process.

We have to exert all our efforts to get as much international participation as possible in efforts aimed to pressure both the Palestinian and Israeli sides into resuming the peace process soon, Ruggiero said.

Asked whether Israel should hand over those responsible for the assassination of Palestinian leaders, Ruggiero said it was not for him to answer such a question.

Ruggiero said Egypt and Italy hold similar views on the Somali and Sudanese issues.

On his part, Maher told reporters that Ruggiero's visit came at an invitation, noting that the Italian minister voiced Rome's support for holding an international conference against terrorism.

Ruggiero stressed Italy's willingness to play a role in solving the Middle East crisis.

On Sharon's threats to launch a long-term military operation against the PA like that which the US was carrying out in Afghanistan, Maher said he was sorry for the assassination of the Israeli Tourism Minister, but added that with Israel's policy of liquidating Palestinian leaders, we could only expect such a reaction to Israeli-triggered violence.

He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of the policy of assassination, noting that Israel's policy was blocking any headway towards achieving peace.

Maher expressed his hope that after the killing of the Israeli Tourism Minister, the Israeli government would realise the infeasibility of its policy, and that it was important to turn to negotiations.

Queried about the bad treatment the Arabs and Muslims in Europe were receiving, Maher said it was a serious issue, noting that European leaders began to take actions to stop it.

On weather there were Egyptians wanted in Italy, Maher said diplomatic contacts were being made in this regard.

As regards the current Anglo-American strikes against Afghanistan, Maher reiterated Egypt's call for the necessity that innocent civilians should not be affected in the fight against terrorists.

Previous Stories:
  Maher, Ruggiero probe anti-terrorism cooperation Thursday   (10/16/2001)
  Mubarak meets Italian officials today   (9/25/2001)
  Mubarak to visit Rome tomorrow   (9/24/2001)

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