Egyptian FM confers with Annan on Middle East peace
Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/10/1998

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa announced that talks he held in New York on Thursday night with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan dealt basically with the Middle East peace process.

In statements to reporters, Moussa added that he briefed Annan on the recent efforts made by Egypt to revive Middle East peace, and to resume Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

Moussa added that he also discussed with Annan results of the recent tripartite Cairo Summit between President Mubarak, King Hussein and Yasser Arafat. He said he exchanged views with Annan on African issues, especially the situation in the Horn of Africa. Moussa described his talks with Annan as positive.

He also said he met on Thursday night in new York with the ambassadors from Syria, Lebanon, Libya and Palestine in the course of coordination between the Arab states at the UN.

Earlier Thursday, Moussa left for Washington leading an official delegation on a one-week visit to the US. The visit aims at holding "strategic dialogue" between the two countries in order to maintain a better understanding in various fields. The visit also intends to establish stronger trade ties between the two countries to substitute for US aid to Egypt.

The Egyptian minister is accompanied by 10 experts on nuclear issues, disarmament, the economy, the Middle East peace process, African affairs, the environment, culture, education and technology transfer.

In a pre-departure statement to reporters at Cairo Airport, Moussa said such a "strategic dialogue" provides a chance to "talk freely about points of dispute." This, however, may not make a change in each of the two countries' attitude, but will eventually "open channels for better understanding of declared stances."

Moussa elaborated that a dialogue will be started with the US Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Then officials from the two countries who are responsible for issues in Egyptian-US relations will meet. Added to these are meetings with top US officials and Congressional leaders.

Previous Stories:
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