Mubarak receives message from Arafat
Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/10/2001

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Sunday received a verbal message from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on the latest situation in the Palestinian areas.

The message was conveyed by Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher.

Emerging from the meeting, the Palestinian official told reporters that his talks covered the outcome of a trip Maher made to Ramallah and Israel on Thursday.

"President Mubarak delegated Maher to make efforts during the mission to ease pressure on the Palestinian people and leave the Israelis in no doubt about the Egyptian stand against their continuous attacks and occupation of the Palestinian lands," added Shaath.

The Palestinian official said that Arafat's message was meant to update President Mubarak on the situation since Maher's visit.

In statements to reporters, Shaath said the Israelis still adopt the policy of violence despite the two security meetings held under the auspices of U.S. Mideast peace envoy Anthony Zinni.

He said he will head for Brussels on Sunday to attend a meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers during which he will convey the Palestinian stance.

He asserted the importance of Egypt's support for the Palestinian side, pointing out that Arafat is facing tough circumstances.

However, the Palestinian people will continue to strive until a real cease-fire is maintained and the Israeli assaults are over, he said.

The Palestinians need Arab support at all levels in addition to the European and international support, he said.

Asked whether he will meet in Brussels with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Shaath said there is no plan for holding such meeting.

Asked on fears that clashes among the Palestinians would lead to a civil war, Shaath said this will never happen and the Palestinian people are aware of such dangers.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher told reporters that Egyptian contacts are continuous, asserting that the Israeli assaults are a challenge to any real wish for peace.

He called on the Israelis to halt such aggressive acts and end the siege on the Palestinian people.

Egypt calls on Israel to abide by peace and exert efforts to realize peace, he said, pointing out that this was Egypt's message to the Israelis and the entire world in light of contacts with a large number of Foreign Ministers over the past few days.

The Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will meet in Doha on Monday for the same purpose and to express support for the Palestinian people amidst such circumstances, he added.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak's initiative positive step for halting violence   (12/8/2001)
  Mubarak warns against Sharon's threats to undermine Palestinian National Authority   (12/7/2001)
  Israeli aggression denounced by Foreign Relations Committee   (12/6/2001)

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