Maher to partake in Euro-Mediterranean conference in Brussels
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 10/31/2001

Egyptian Foreign minister Ahmed Maher told the diplomatic reporters yesterday that the campaign against Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the US media will not affect the Egyptian-US ties.

Questioned on Egyptian view that peace in the Middle East has lost all hope, Maher said loss of hope contradicts with diplomacy which should maintain hope in all cases.

Diplomacy is the only means to change the current situation.

"Diplomats mission will overcome the challenges laid by the other side. Other parties rallied efforts with us to achieve peace in the region" Maher added.

In his response to query on the recent statement by Israeli assistant chief of staff on attacking Syria if the latter did not put an end to Lebanese and Palestinian resistance, Maher said Israelis have sharper tongues.

On the other hand the Foreign minister will take part in the ministerial meeting of the Barcelona process member states, according to newly appointed Egyptian ambassador to Belgium Soliman Awwad on Tuesday.

The meeting will take place in Brussels on February 6-7.

He said Maher will head for Damascus before going to Belgium in order to take part in the coordinative meeting of the Arab countries taking part in the Barcelona process. The coordinative meeting is meant to crystallize a common stance as regards the three sides of the process.

As for the political and security side, Awwad said the meeting will discuss the deteriorating situation in the Mideast region, the stalemate peace process and the effects of the September 11 terror attacks.

The meeting will highlight Egypt's repeated calls for holding an international conference against terrorism.

Awwad said Maher will exchange viewpoints with his Arab counterparts on the outcome of the Mediterranean forum, held in Agadir last week.

Regarding the economic and trade side, the ambassador said the meeting will review the progress that has been achieved on the road of the euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Asked on the issues to be tackled in the social and cultural side, he said the meeting will focus on boosting cooperation in the judicial field and fighting terrorism and will also discuss the dialogue among the various civilizations and the social and human development.

Previous Stories:
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  There is no relationship between Islam and terrorism   (10/30/2001)
  Settling Palestinian question indispensable to combat terrorism   (10/29/2001)

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