Mubarak: Combating terrorism starts with solving problems of Palestine and Iraq
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 10/27/2004

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak discussed with Jean Asselborn, the deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Luxembourg the latest developments in the region, mainly Palestine, Iraq and the Sudan.

The President asserted that combating terrorism should be taken into account during the settlements of the issues of Palestine and Iraq as well as all hot issues in the world.

The President asserted that the plan on withdrawal from Gaza should serve as an initial step towards the complete and comprehensive implementation of the road map, referring to the importance of launching political talks for implementing the different stages of the roadmap including the convening of a final conference.

He said that the EU has an important role to play as it is a member of the quartet.

The President called on Israel to refrain from attempts to undermine the powers of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, saying it must fulfill its obligations under the road map and give more freedom of movement to the Palestinian security services and training Palestinian cadres in Egypt.

Emerging from the meeting, the deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg said that his visit to Cairo comes in the context of his country's preparation for assuming the chairmanship of the upcoming session of European Union in January 2005.

He said that the meeting provided a chance for listening to an assessment by President Mubarak of the situation in the Middle East.

He said that talks with President Mubarak dealt with latest developments in Palestine, the situation in Iraq adding he will complete discussions on Tel Aviv and Ramallah.

Presidential Spokesman Maged Abdel Fattah told reporters that during the meeting, Asselborn declared his country's support for Egypt's anti-terror efforts since the Sinai attacks.

Asselborn highlighted the importance of solving outstanding international disputes and conflicts in order to stop global violence and terror, the Presidential Spokesman said.

Efforts to combat terrorism and end violence must take into consideration not only resolving conflicts in the Middle East, Palestine, Iraq and Darfur, but also to find solutions for other disputes, Ambassador Abdel Fattah quoted President Mubarak as telling Asselborn.

Leaving these conflicts unresolved breeds more desperation and violence, the President said. Ambassador Abdel Fattah said that President Mubarak and Asselborn exchanged views on the Palestinian problem and the situations in Iraq and Darfur.

On the Palestinian problem, President Mubarak and the visiting official shared the view that Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza would be a prelude to the full implementation of the roadmap peace plan, Abdel Fattah said.

In this regard, President Mubarak highlighted the importance of starting political talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis on implementing the roadmap peace plan, which stipulates a conference on final status issues.

On this point, the President said that the EU had a bigger and more active role to play as a member of the Quartet committee, Abdel Fattah said. President Mubarak told Asselborn that any attempt to reduce President Yasser Arafat's authority would have negative repercussions on the peace process.

Arafat, the legally elected Palestinian President, has an important contribution to make in the peace process, President Mubarak said.

The Presidential Spokesman quoted the President as saying that the Palestinian Authority (PA) should abide by its commitments to reform, especially in national security.

President Mubarak called on Israel to allow Palestinian police officers to move freely into Egypt, where they will receive training, Abdel Fattah said, adding that President Mubarak and Asselborn discussed preparations for an international conference in Egypt late next month on how to restore security and stability in Iraq.

Combating terrorism and violence should begin with resolving the issues of Palestine and Iraq.

Previous Stories:
  El-Baz: Arabs capable of deterring any aggression   (10/8/2004)
  Mubarak urged the Palestinian and Israeli sides to abide by the Roadmap; Hizb al-Karamah al-Arabia refused license   (10/6/2004)
  Tantawi rejects denial of women's political rights   (9/30/2004)

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