Maher, Pique discuss Mideast cause, international developments
Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/16/2002

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher yesterday held an expanded session of-talks with his Spanish counterpart Josep Pique.

European Union (EU) Mideast peace envoy Miguel Moratinos attended the meeting.

At a joint press conference held following the talks, Maher asserted the strength of Egyptian-Spanish relations and term themed as "excellent".

Maher said the meeting took up bilateral relations, means of buttressing them, the Mideast peace process and endeavours exerted to salvage it, the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and ways of finding an outlet for the current stalled situation which was no longer acceptable.

The Foreign Minister reviewed with Pique Mediterranean European cooperation within the context of the Barcelona process regarding the political, economic and social dimensions besides the issue of combating terrorism.

Maher pointed out that the Egyptian and Spanish viewpoint were identical concerning all issues, stressing Egypt's resolve to continue cooperation in the interest of the two countries and to realise stability and prosperity.

Pique, on his part, agreed with Maher on the great confidence and understanding exchanged between Egypt and Spain over a number of issues, whether regarding the Mideast peace process, the Mediterranean-European cooperation march in particular, or Egypt's relations with the EU in general.

Asked about the European stance over the disappointment felt on the Arab stress and enrolling the Islamic resistance movement on the terrorist lists, Pique said the EU is committed now more than ever before to realizing peace in the Mideast.

No doubt you are really acquainted with the excellent work carried out by Moratinos who is permanently present in the region, the Spanish foreign minister said.

On the EU stance over banning Palestinian President Yasser Arafat from leaving Ramallah, Pique said: "I hope we can overcome this situation and move to the next stage".

Asked whether the recent Israeli aggressions on Palestinian territories could be considered terrorist acts or self-defence, he said the EU condemned all acts carried out by Israel over the past few months including the demolition of houses in Gaza and other areas and the siege imposed on the various Palestinian territories.

He said the only solution lies in a political settlement allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state that exists peacefully along with Israel.

When asked about Israeli accusations that Egypt was smuggling arms to the Palestinian Authority, Maher said, "I did not hear before of any accusations leveled against Egypt. What I heard was nearly nonsense".

We do not stop at these accusations or lies about Egypt's stance and we do not engage in arms-smuggling games, Maher explained.

Maher dismissed these accusations, describing them as forth talk. Asked about whether Pique was carrying any new initiatives to the region, Maher said there are not any initiatives, but we welcome all European efforts in this respect.

Pique as well affirmed that the European Commission was currently preparing a list of the damage resulting from the destruction of infrastructure facilities of the Palestinian Authority, either those funded by the EU or other countries.

The Spanish foreign minister pointed out that Spain financed the establishment of Gaza Airport and might probe the issue of demanding compensations.

On the possibility of convening an international conference on the Mideast problem, Pique citing Maher's view in this respect, said that the current circumstances would not allow the participation of all parties such as Israel and the Palestinian side. We will wait until improvement in the circumstances, he added.

Maher expressed his satisfaction with the current role played by the European Union and said he was optimistic in light of Spain's presidency of the EU.

We have confidence that Spain's role will be more effective in the efforts exerted to realise peace, stability and security in the Mideast, Maher added.

Pique, asked whether the EU had relinquished its reservations over sending international observers to the Palestinian territories, said the EU will continue working in harmony with all parties.

He noted that the aim of EU officials' visits was collecting information so as to be able to get acquainted with the proper way that could realise consensus among all.

Pique ended his statements by saying that the EU had all the time supported a neutral sponsorship in the region.

Previous Stories:
  Maher holds talks with Solana   (1/9/2002)
  Ponjaert: Europe supports Mubarak's call to fight terrorism   (12/20/2001)
  Maher to have talks with Moratinos on EU peace efforts   (12/6/2001)

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