Chirac, Mubarak oppose opportunities of reforms from abroad
Egypt-France, Politics, 3/8/2004

The French President Jacque Chirac and the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday evening stressed their support for the modernization of the Arab states under the condition that the modernization not to be imposed from outside.

Mubarak said following talks with Mubarak at the Elysee palace that lasted for one hour "we support modernization through consultation and cooperation among countries." He added "on the other hand" we do believe that it is impossible to impose any thing.. In another way, we say yes for modernization and no for interference." The two Presidents who described themselves as " old friends " expressed total agreement over the American initiative concerning the " Greater Middle East" during a joint press conference.

This project which was launched by the US President George W. Bush aims at encouraging democratic reforms and economic openness in the Arab states and other Islamic countries "from Mauritania until Afghanistan."

The French and the Egyptian Presidents said that launching the peace process between the Israelis and the Palestinians and the stability of Iraq are "introductions" for any reform in the Middle East.

The Egyptian President who is carrying out a European tour including each of Rome, Paris and London have got the consent of the Italian Prime Minister Selvio Berlyskony for the Egyptian position which has reservation over the American plan.

In a statement on Saturday evening after meeting with Mubarak he said that "the Arab states would take part in laying any initiative concerning the Middle East," in contrary to what was stated by the Italian Foreign minister Franco Frattini on Wednesday that his country supports the American initiative.

The Egyptian President had warned the US from imposing a ready-made settlement on the Middle East as whole. he also warned against margining the Arab- Israeli conflict, as he led the Arab states opposition for the project.

Mubarak, the strongest allies for Washington in the Arab world, said in an interview with the " Italian daily La Republica that he will ask the US President George W. Bush during their meeting to clarify the content of these reforms which are still vague.

American officials said they want to disclose the plan officially in June when leaders of the 8 industrial major states hold their annual summit. No Arab states will be attending this summit.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak, Chirac hold joint press conference   (3/6/2004)
  Chirac visits Egypt   (1/10/2004)
  Top brass visits France Wednesday   (9/17/2003)

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