Egyptian FM discuss Iraq, Sudan, Gulf and trade with British minister
Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/27/1999

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met on Monday in Cairo with British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Hoon. Following the meeting, Moussa said that talks with Hoon dealt with matters of mutual concern, especially the Middle East peace process, the questions of Iraq and Sudan, the Gulf area, the international conference on terrorism as well as bilateral relations between the two countries.

Moussa has expressed his conviction of the importance of resuming the Middle East peace process on all tracks.

He noted the unanimous position advocated by all sides concerned that the Middle East peace process should be resumed on all tracks according to Madrid terms of reference and commitment to the Middle East peace basics and the land-for-peace formula.

Moussa, addressing reporters following his meeting with the British official, said President Hosni Mubarak`s meeting with U.S President Bill Clinton in Rabat on Sunday dealt with the Mid East peace process.

They discussed the role which both Egypt and the US should play in backing the negotiating process in light of the fresh circumstances which provide a number of positive points vis-a-vis the peace moves, said Moussa. He spoke of the tendency to press ahead towards speedy negotiations within a specified time framework.

When asked about the possibility of achieving progress on the Syrian track, Moussa replied in the affirmative. Moussa highlighted the need to avoid any "unhealthy clash" between the various tracks of peace making, speaking of a consensus that the peace process be resumed on all tracks.

When asked about the scepticism resulting from the fresh Israeli remarks and attitudes, Moussa explained that some caution is not harmful, and described as unwavering the commitment to peace on the part of Egypt and all Arab states.

Fir his part, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Hoon said London and rest of European capitals are ready to assist in the Mideast negotiating process when needed and asked to do so. He was reacting to the Israeli viewpoint that the European contribution should be confined to the economic aspect. He, However, made it clear that the parties concerned should themselves reach solutions and stick to implementation.

The British official was asked on the possibility of reaching a formula to lift the anti-Iraq UN Security Council sanctions. In reply, he said Britain had submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council and hopes that more discussions should be conducted.

Commenting on Iraq's rejection of the British draft, said Baghdad should realize that formulas winning International consensus provide the only way for Iraq to restore its place in the world community. While maintaining that London does not want the Iraqi people to suffer and is not working for prolonging Iraq's isolation, the British official said Britain insists that Iraq abide by International terms and act responsibly.

On the situation in Sudan, the Minister said the British believes that Sudan should remain united. Britain, he said, believes that work should be concerted with Egypt to achieve peace in Sudan.

He stressed his country's care to provide all backing to achieving a progress on all Middle East peace tracks.

Hoon said that Britain adheres to boosting its economic and trade relations with Egypt, adding that his country considers Egypt to be an important market for investment and trade. He said Britain encourages the exchange of visits between trade delegations between Egypt and Britain.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak - Demirel summit at Alexandria   (7/26/1999)
  Israeli foreign minister to visit Egypt in August   (7/26/1999)
  Egyptian FM receives a message from his Iranian counterpart   (7/23/1999)
  British governmental delegation to Cairo --- on Sunday   (7/22/1999)

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