Mubarak, Congress delegation discuss means of putting peace process back to track
Egypt-USA, Politics, 11/20/2001

President Mubarak received a US Congress delegation headed by Darrella issa, the member of the house of international relations committee.

The delegation, half of which are members of Arab origin also includes Congressmen Nich Rahall, John Cooks and Brian Kerns.

United States ambassador to Egypt David Welch and Presidential Political Adviser Osama EL Baz attended the meeting.

The visiting delegation seeks to get acquainted with Egypt's views regarding the possibility of activating the peace march in the Middle East.

It will hold meetings with non-governmental organizations and the media to clarify the situation in the US especially the conditions of Arab Americans after the September 11 events.

The Congressmen's two-day visit comes within the context of a tour of the region that already took them to Syria and Lebanon.

After Cairo, they will go to Tel Aviv and Ram Allah to help bring back the peace process on the right track.

In statements to reporters following the meeting, Issa said the meeting was fruitful.

Asked on the demand of about 90 congressmen to US President George Bush to refrain from exercising any pressure on Israel, Issa said there is 450 members in the congress and consequently, those deputies do not represent the majority.

This kind of attitude is considered a defeat to those who want to be biased towards one side, he said, adding that the Congressmen are really open-minded in dealing with the peace process.

Asked on Bush's waning interest in the peace process in light of the current developments in Afghanistan and his rejection to meet Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat, Issa said the US involvement in the peace process is, of course, required, adding that Bush's initiative on setting up a Palestinian state side by side to the Israeli one will be declared by US secretary of state Colin Powell later in the day.

On Sharon's unwillingness to achieve peace in the region, Issa said, "we will not decide for them what they should say," adding that the delegation will meet both Sharon and Arafat later.

But he stressed that without the cooperation of both sides, no result will be achieved.

On considering the Israeli attacks against the Palestinians terrorism, member of Congress John cooks said killing civilians from the two sides is considered terrorism, stressing that the US is launching a war on terrorism.

He said fighting terrorism requires finding a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict, adding that this will be in the interest of all peoples in the region, but this requires enhancing the economic partnership among the countries in the region.

He added that the current improvement of situation in Afghanistan will not win the US interest of the Middle East on the contrary the US will be more involved in the peace process.

One of the members said half of the delegation is made up of Congressmen of Arab origin and therefore consider themselves as friends of Egypt's and appreciate President Mubarak's assistance in the war against terrorism and in many other crises and issues.

Rahal said improvement of the situation in Afghanistan would encourage the United States to play a wider role in the peace process.

Issa said the delegation would meet President Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon adding when he returns to the United States, he would explain to the US public opinion which party is more willing to establish peace.

Nich Rahall also stressed that the US, in its capacity as a mediator, will continue exercising pressure on the two sides.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak receives today U.S. Congress delegation   (11/19/2001)
  Mubarak sends message to Bush   (11/10/2001)
  US praises Egypt's stance on terrorism   (11/10/2001)

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