US diplomatic source praises Mubarak's visit
Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/12/2002

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's visit to the US scored great success due to its timing, said a senior US diplomatic source, describing it as useful to Egypt and the US, an Egyptian official report said.

In press statements Monday, the source said the Egyptian role in the Mideast peace process was unchallenged.

"Egypt has diplomatic ties with Israel which enables it to deal with the Jewish state," he noted.

He voiced belief that Mubarak's wise decision to support the Saudi initiative was a big step for making peace, adding the, would be more meetings between Egyptian and US officials.

'Bilateral economic relations would be boosted in the coming phase as the Egyptian-US Presidents Council would be re-formed and dialogue on setting up a free-trade zone would be resumed,' the source said.

On US Vice President Dick Cheney's visit, the source said talks would not be exclusive to the Iraqi file but would rather extend to other issues including the Mideast peace process, halting violence and resuming negotiations as well as furthering bilateral relations.

Asked whether Cheney would meet with Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat, the source said Cheney would not visit the Palestinian territories.

'Egypt and the US see eye to eye on the importance to implement international legitimacy resolutions on Iraq, especially with respect to weapons of mass destruction,' the source said.

He added that UN Security Council sanctions should remain intact, admitting that member states of the Council are divided on the issue.

Asked about possible complications in the region with the US desire to Iraq but rather terminate all sources of terrorism.

On the Arab summit meeting, slated for Beirut on March 27-28, the source said several Congressmen would come to Beirut to attend the summit as observers.

Asked about the return of US Mideast peace envoy Anthon, Zinni, the source said the aim of Zinni's visit is to end violence and confrontations, re-establish confidence and boost security.

Previous Stories:
  Sherif comments on President Mubarak's visit to US   (3/9/2002)
  US source: Bush refused Mubarak's request to interfere in the region   (3/8/2002)
  Mubarak was urged to visit Jerusalem   (3/8/2002)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search