Maher, Petersen review regional,international issues
Egypt-Norway, Politics, 2/18/2002

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher held talks late Sunday with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, currently visiting Egypt.

Following the talks, Maher and Petersen held a joint press conference in which the top Egyptian diplomat described talks as having been comprehensive.

Talks focused on several issues including the-situation in the Middle East, Sudan, Iraq and issues of mutual interest, he added.

Maher said he received an invitation from Petersen to visit Norway as soon as possible.

On his part, Petersen highlighted the importance of talks with Egypt for its pioneering role in the Arab world. He added that it is quite useful to listen to the Egyptian evaluation of the situation.

Petersen said the situation is very dangerous and parties should resume negotiations. He added that this situation is the result of Israel's disinterest in launching a real political dialogue on the various issues including the tough economic situation Palestinians are undergoing.

"A donor-country conference will be held in Oslo early in March on the deteriorating Palestinian economic situation," the top diplomat said.

The Oslo accords remain intact and talks should be back on track despite the various hurdles, said Petersen.

Asked whether Norway will forge a certain formula for action, Petersen said his visit to Egypt, Jordan, Eritrea and Ethiopia aims at following up to the Middle East and the Ethiopian-Eritrean issues.

Norway looks forward to an end to both issues and it is interested in holding more contacts with parties concerned and getting to know their viewpoints, he added.

Petersen highlighted the importance of the US role that lays pressures on all parties. He added that all ideas should be tackled in order to reach some tangible outcome.

Norway will hold the rotating presidency of the Security Council in March.

Asked what Norway could do to end the dangerous Middle East situation, Maher said Egypt welcome the role of Norway. He recalled the Oslo Accords, signed in the White House, describing it as the basis for the activation of international legitimacy resolutions.

The current grave situation requires relentless efforts and politicians should not be dejected but rather exert more efforts, said Maher.

Asked about Egyptian and Norwegian viewpoints over the Sudanese and Somali issues as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa, Maher said maintaining Sudanese integrity of territories has been addressed in light of coordination between the IGAD and the Egyptian-Libyan initiative.

Egypt and Norway are members in the IGAD.

The Sudanese issue was tackled by President Hosni Mubarak during his meeting with Kenyan President Daniel Arap-Moi, said Petersen. He added that Norway is interested in the Sudanese issue.

Asked about discussions in the Security Council on Iraq, Maher said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will hold talks with the Iraqi government on allowing UN arms inspectors back in Iraq.

Previous Stories:
  Maher receives Norwegian deputy foreign minister   (8/27/2001)
  Egyptian - Norwegian talks on peace process   (8/26/1999)
  Mubarak receives Norwegian prime minister today   (2/25/1999)

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