Baz meets Russian peace envoy to Iraq
Egypt-Russia, Politics, 12/4/2001

Egyptian Presidential Political Adviser Osama Al-Baz held talks on Monday with Russian peace envoy to Iraq Nikolae Kartzov.

After the meeting, the Russian envoy said he discussed with Baz extending the UN oil-for-food program for another stage and what Russia and Egypt can do to reach a solution to the Iraqi problem.

He added that he recently discussed with Iraqi Deputy Premier Tarek Aziz the new elements in the new resolution stipulating the extension of the UN programme for another period.

The new resolution will place no burdens on Iraq, he said, adding that it is a mere technical extension. "There is also an important item in the resolution, namely the UN commitment to reach a comprehensive solution to the Iraqi issue through clarifying some items in resolution 1284 which is rejected by Iraq," the envoy said.

He added that this is the first time that the Security Council will clarify some points in this resolution.

On the current US campaign against terrorism and the threats to strike Iraq next, the Russian envoy said that "there are statements by some US circles but we in Russia consider this as very dangerous," adding it is best to create an atmosphere to reach an overall solution.

He pointed out that the Iraqi people suffered from the sanctions in the past 11 years, noting that Russia is exerting the utmost efforts to preclude escalation of tension and striking Iraq.

"There is an agreement in viewpoints between Russia and Egypt over the necessity to exert more endeavours to reach a solution for the Iraqi issue," said the Russian envoy.

Meanwhile, Presidential Political Advisor Osama El-Baz asserted late Monday that the declaration of the Palestinian state has became inevitable.

"A sovereign Palestinian state would be the only way to realize peaceful co-existence between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples," Baz stressed.

"Israel should take into consideration the Arab rights," he said. He urged Israel to dissolve its nuclear programmes.

Previous Stories:
  Maher, Ivanov probe anti-terrorism actions   (10/10/2001)
  Peace in ME is passing through a critical stage   (9/6/2001)
  Mubarak confers with Russian envoy   (7/16/2001)

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