Mubarak Meets with the US Secretary of State
Egypt, Politics, 9/13/1997

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met today in El Teen Palace in Alexandria with the US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to discuss the developments in the peace process. The meeting was attended by officials from the two countries.

After the meeting the Egyptian President and the US Secretary of State held a joint press conference in which President Mubarak welcomed Albright's visit and expressed his hope that it will push the peace process ahead. He said, "We are concerned with stability in the region and appreciate the US role as a sponsor of the peace process."

Answering a question regarding his statements that the stalled peace process would lead to an explosive situation in the Middle East, and whether there has been any attempt to create a climate favorable to peace and security in the region, Mubarak said , "We should keep in mind that this is Albright¹s first visit to the region. What she said and did during her visit was not expected by many people." He stated that he believes that there will be progress between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides after their expected meetings in Washington.

Evoking the Camp David accords between Egypt and Israel, Albright stated that she discussed many issues with President Mubarak concerning peace in the region. She said the US will continue its efforts with Egypt to establish peace and stability in the region.

Regarding Egyptian relations with the US, she said these relations are essential for a balance of power in the region.

She said that she discussed the precautions needed to decrease tension in the future with President Mubarak. The US intends to cooperate with Egypt and the other countries to seize the chances to decrease this tension. She asserted that the Israelis can not be asked to think of the peace process while they are terrorized by explosions, and that Arafat is required to uproot the forces of the Hamas organization in order to stop all terrorist activities.

She added that the people of this region are fed up with bombs and terrorism in their daily lives and with attacks and destruction. Albright said that the permanent solution will ensure Israel's security as well as the legitimate goals of the Palestinian people based on the Security Council resolutions 242 and 328 including the land for peace principle.

Regarding holding the MENA Conference in Doha in November, Mubarak expressed his hope that there is still some time to make things better. He added that if there is a progress in the peace process, this will help in holding the conference in time. He expressed his belief that Albright is adamant on pushing the peace process ahead.

Previous Stories:
  Waiting for Albright   (9/9/1997)

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