Mubarak meets Cheney on situation in Palestinian territories
Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/13/2002

Egyptian Foreign Minster Ahmed Maher said the situation in the middle east will figure high on the agenda of the talks President Hosni Mubarak will hold with US Vice-President Richard Cheney who is due in Cairo today.

In statements on Tuesday, Maher said Egypt is ready to discuss all issues with focus on the grave situation in the occupied lands and the incessant Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people.

Asked on Israel's threats against the life of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and against the Palestinian Authority (PA), Maher said Egypt voiced its strong condemnation of Israeli attacks on Palestinian people as they violated the international law and agreements.

On his meeting with British Ambassador in Cairo John Sawers, Maher said he briefed the British diplomat on the outcome of President Hosni Mubarak's visit to Washington.

He said he also discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian lands.

Whether there were Egyptian moves to contain the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian lands, Maher said for sure Egypt is doing everything possible to end Israeli aggression.

The Israeli government has either to comply with the peace efforts and take moves to ease tension before the arrival of General Anthony Zinni or choose a road full of dangers for all, Maher said.

He said Zinni's mission as announced by the US side is meant to prepare for the implementation of the Mitchell recommendations and CIA Chief George Tenet's understandings.

Maher said any side that puts hurdles before this mission has to take the responsibility of that, and it is very clear who has been trying from the beginning to manipulate Zinni's visit by showing flexibility ahead of the visit to show that his mission is meaningless. It seems they are adopting a new method now to abort his mission.

Meanwhile, reliable source at the US administration said Mubarak-Cheney talks would focus on the US investment in Egypt and the joint trade relations.

According to the source, Cheney is interested in getting acquainted with President Mubarak's view towards the current development of the Palestinian territories.

Zinni's talks in the region are designed to convince the Palestinians and Israelis to enforce Tenet security plan, the source said.

Previous Stories:
  US diplomatic source praises Mubarak's visit   (3/12/2002)
  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)

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