Maher reviews with US ambassador current situation, Palestine
Egypt-USA, Politics, 11/10/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher held a meeting on Thursday with US ambassador in Cairo, David Welch, which he said was a good opportunity to review US remarks on a Palestinian state and the contacts made in Washington during the visits of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac.

The U.S. ambassador informed Maher of the outcome of the Washington contacts and the necessity that the US move quickly because the Israeli government was apparently not willing to take positive moves, the Minister told reporters after the meeting.

We hear opposing remarks by the Israeli government, Maher said, adding that the recent positive statements by the US administration needed coordination with the Israeli government.

Maher said he will meet with US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, during his scheduled visit to New York next week to take part in the 56th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Minister is also due to visit Washington and meet a number of Congress members.

On attempts to separate between the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the Middle East conflict, Maher said President Hosni Mubarak made it clear that tension in the region was causing frustration and outrage, which in turn could be used as a pretext by some elements to carry out terrorist attacks.

Asked whether Israeli Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres, was serious in his new initiative on creating a Palestinian state in Gaza first, Maher, referring to conflicting Israeli statements in this regard, said if the Israelis had anything new and positive, they had better come up with it.

Apparently, the Israelis do not have anything positive to offer now, he said, reiterating that the "Gaza First" proposal had been rejected a long time ago.

The basis is establishing a Palestinian state with full sovereignty over all Palestinian lands occupied since 1967, and with Al Quds as its capital, Maher affirmed.

This is the Egyptian and Arab attitude, but the policy of procrastination is unacceptable, Maher added.

On his part, Welch said he discussed with Maher a number of issues on the agenda of the UN General Assembly meetings, as well as a number of issues related to the Middle East conflict.

The ambassador said he stressed the importance of partnership ties between Egypt and the US referring to continued dialogue with the Egyptian government on the economic situation, in light of the recent visit by the Egyptian Economy Minister to the US.

On whether there were plans by US officials to visit Egypt, Welch said the American envoy to Sudan is due to visit the country within two weeks.

Previous Stories:
  Maher denies September attacks motivated US interest in peace   (11/8/2001)
  Welch appreciates Mubarak's support for US war on terror   (11/8/2001)
  EFACD in USA today to discuss Mideast peace, terrorism   (10/29/2001)

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