Maher, Danish FM probe situation in middle east
Egypt-Denmark, Politics, 2/27/2002

Israel's government is looking for excuses to keep on adopting anti-Palestinian and peace policies which harm the Israeli people themselves with the numbers of victims from both sides on the rise, said Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, who was speaking in a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart Peter Miller, currently on a two-day visit to Egypt.

"The whole world should condemn Israel's deliberate evasion of any serious negotiations that would lead to a just settlement in accordance to international legitimacy resolutions," said Maher.

Asked whether he thinks that Israel is serious in welcoming Saudi initiative, Maher said, "If Israel accepts these ideas which demand an Israeli pullout from areas occupied in 1967, this should be welcomed".

On the Israeli government's decision on keeping Palestinian President Yasser Arafat besieged in Ramallah, Maher stressed that Israel has backtracked on a pledge to lift the siege on Arafat as soon as those accused of killing former Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi are arrested.

When the three were arrested, Israel said there was someone else and talked about the arms ship, Maher said.

He welcomed Miller on his first visit to Egypt and described as "good" talks with the visiting Danish foreign minister.

Maher appreciated the Danish assistance to Egypt, especially in encouraging small and medium-scale projects.

Egypt keen on continuing cooperation with Denmark in the various domains in order to eliminate the trade deficit and publicize the Egyptian market and products to Danish investors and market, he said.

Maher said talks with Miller tackled boosting bilateral relations in the various domains as well as the volatile situation the Middle East, especially in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Asked about the Danish stance, Maher said Denmark adopts the same stance of the EU, which is highly appreciated by Egypt.

Denmark, like all EU member states, seeks a just settlement in the Mideast, said the foreign minister.

Moreover, Danish Foreign Minister praised the reforms carried out by the Egyptian government to help create an investment-friendly atmosphere.

During a joint news conference late Tuesday with Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, Miller described their talks as very good.

He also was keen on offering condolences for the Egyptian government on the victims of Cairo-Aswan train inferno.

The top Danish diplomat, currently on a two-day visit to Egypt, was hopeful Egyptian-Danish trade volume would be augmented.

He reiterated his country's support to the Egyptian small and medium-scale enterprises being established within the framework of a joint cooperation programme.

Miller said his talks with Maher dwelled on the situation in the Middle East and the instrumental role played by Egypt at the current junction.

He described the regional situation as tragic, noting that Denmark would assume the upcoming rotating presidency of the EU on July 1.

Miller also praised the role played by EU Security chief Javier Solana who is currently on a visit to the region

The Danish foreign minister underlined the importance of resuming negotiations between the Palestinian-Israeli parties.

A political solution to the Middle East issue would be the key to security in the region, Miller asserted.

Asked about the recent initiative floated by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Ben Abdel Aziz, Miller hailed such a move as encouraging, adding it gives a hope for a lasting peace in the Mideast.

On his country's stance with regard to the Iraqi issue, Miller said Baghdad should allow the international inspectors back to investigate whether chemical, biological or nuclear weapons were being developed there.

Previous Stories:
  Sharon's Policies cause of continued bloodshed   (2/26/2002)
  Telephone conversations between Mubarak, Annan   (2/26/2002)
  Egypt rejects Israeli practices   (2/16/2002)

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