Egypt-UK talks on Middle East peace and Barcelona Process
Egypt-UK, Politics, 10/26/2005

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul- Gheit yesterday met with British Minister of State for Middle East Affairs, Kim Howells for talks on the Middle East peace and the Barcelona Process.

Member states of the Barcelona Process will be meeting on November 27 to mark the 10th anniversary of the initiative.

Howells said the meeting offered a chance for an exchange of views on many issues of mutual concern, describing it as " constructive."

Howells said his talks with Abul- Gheit reflected the depth and firmness of Egyptian-British bilateral ties.

"The strength and depth of ties with Egypt will be the core of a message that I will convey to my government," Howells said in statements carried by the Middle East News Agency (MENA).

Both ministers reviewed efforts to push forward the Palestinian-Israeli peace process through talks with both sides.

"The UK and Egypt are engaged in talks with both parties," he told reporters, referring to President Hosni Mubarak's talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo Monday.

Howells urged both sides to work on improving living conditions and the economic hardships of the Palestinian people after the Gaza pullout.

He also called for improvements in security arrangements to give the Palestinians more freedom of movement.

Later in the day, Howells met with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.

The discussions focused on the League's efforts for a settlement of the Middle East conflict, the situation in Mauritania, and UN reforms.

Howells said the talks also cover the latest developments on the Syrian issue since the UN investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik al-Hariri.

"This week will be decisive for Syria and they have to realise how serious the situation is," he told reporters.
Howells added that his talks with the AL chief also dealt with Iraq.

"Iraq is going through an utterly significant stage where the Arab country is witnessing more progress towards democracy after the referendum on the interim charter," he said.

He hailed the Arab initiative to bring together representatives of all ethnic and religious Iraqi groups in Cairo for a reconciliatory meeting next month.

Previous Stories:
  Sorour receives British minister of state   (6/15/2005)
  British Gas sees high potentials for natural gas in Egypt   (3/19/2005)
  Mrs. Mubarak receives British minister   (3/9/2005)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search