Mubarak meets Burns
Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/12/2003

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak met on Monday with US Assistant secretary of State for Mideast Affairs William Burns. Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher and US Charge d'Affaires Gordon Gray attended the talks.

US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns said on Monday that Egypt and the US are determined to work together with the parties concerned to implement the roadmap plan.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, Burns said achieving peace in the Mideast region is not an easy task. Burns renewed the US commitment to exert utmost efforts to push forward the peace process and guarantee full implementation of the roadmap.

He expressed the US's appreciation for Egypt's efforts to bring about peace in the region. Speaking after meeting Mubarak, Burns said his talks with Mubarak were constructive, adding that they covered a number of issues of importance to Egypt and the US.

He said Òhe expressed US President George W. Bush's determination to implement the roadmap and make the best use of every chance to achieve peace in the region.

Burns added that the US is determined to get the Palestinian and Israeli sides to achieve their obligations included in the roadmap.

He expressed Bush's concern over the building of a separation wall. Burns urged the two sides not to violate the truce, stressing that the Palestinian Authority (PA) should be the only side representing the Palestinians.

The US official said his talks with Mubarak also covered the situation in Iraq.

The formation of an Interim Governing council (IGC) is a step forward on the road of holding elections to elect an Iraqi government, he said.

On the American stance towards the Israeli raids on South Lebanon, Burns said the US is really concerned over this issue, adding that the US urged the two sides to exercise self-restraint.

On the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, Burns said the US is committed to exert all efforts to help Iraqis regain order and restore basic services.

He said the US already achieving tangible progress in a lot of areas in Iraq but it is a very difficult task.

Burns said Iraqis have already begun taking control of their country through the Interim Governing Council (IGC) that will pave the way for the election of an Iraqi government.

But the countries in the region should encourage the new council to do its job, he said.

It is in the interest of our friends in the region to encourage the political process in order to work for the prosperity of Iraq, Burns said.

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