Powell hails Mubarak's reform policy
Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/31/2004

The US Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Thursday that Egypt is a friendly country of the United States and helps it in many different fields. In an interview with Good Morning Egypt T.V. program, Powell welcomed the Congress rejection of a draft resolution put forward by Tom Lantos, which aimed at converting US military aid to Egypt, the economic channel to boost the Egyptian economy.

Powel, however, said the measure demonstrated that some Congressmen wanted Egypt to do more reforms. But he asserted that reform and democracy should come from within, hailing President Mubarak's reform program.

On Iraq, Powell welcomed Egypt's hosting of a meeting for Iraq's neighbouring countries last week and Presiding Mubarak's talks with interim Iraqi Premier Iyad Allawi.

He said that the forthcoming Iraq's national congress was indicative of a keen Iraqi desire to restore sovereignty and stability. Powell said the more effective and powerful the Iraqi security forces will be, the less will be the US profile.

But he said Iraq will need economic and security aid, urging countries worldwide to send troops to Iraq to contribute to the US-led multinational forces.

Powell further said that Syria should do more to protect its joint borders with Iraq. He hoped that the latest visit by Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allaoi to Damascus would result in concrete steps to control the porous borders.

On Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan, Powell regretted that Sharon has not immediately dismantled all Jewish settlements in Gaza Strip as planned.

He said the evacuation of Jewish settlers from all 21 outposts in the Strip and four others in the West Bank is just the start in compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 383.

Powell further said that the peace process needs a responsible Palestinian leadership, calling for putting into effect any decisions reached by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and his Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei'.

On Sudan, Powell said that Washington has put forward a UN draft resulting to give a chance for Sudan to end the deplorable conditions in Darfur.

He said that Sudan has only one month to improve the situation there, noting that the US would assess the matter on the ground.

Powell said the EU foreign ministers have unanimously agreed to impose sanctions on Sudan if it failed to end the Darfur crisis.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt, US to resume strategic dialogue   (7/29/2004)
  For the first time in the history of America- Egyptian relations Powell discusses reforms with non- governmental figures   (7/29/2004)
  Abu al-Gheit meets al-Qathafi; Powel to meet Mubarak on Wednesday   (7/26/2004)

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