US Congress delegation appreciates Mubarak's efforts to propel peace

During a current visit to Egypt, a US Congress delegation expressed United States' appreciation of the efforts exerted by President Hosni Mubarak and Egyptian diplomacy to push the peace process forward as will as Egypt's communications with Syria with regard to the peace process.

Tom Bliley , Chairman of the Commerce Committee in the US House of Representatives who leads the delegation, said following his meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa that without such efforts, the present achievements would not have been realized.

"The delegation also discussed the situation in Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia, in addition to Egypt's endeavors to enhance stability in Africa," the American official said.

As for US relations with Egypt, Bliley asserted that, within his capacity as chairman of the Commerce Committee in the House of Representatives, he would discuss with the Secretary of Commerce William Daley speeding up the conclusion of a trade agreement between Egypt and the US in the interest of both sides.

Meanwhile, US Senator Joseph Lieberman highlighted President Hosni Mubarak's pivotal role in the region. Emerging from a meeting with Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, Lieberman voiced appreciation for the policy of President Mubarak and Minister Moussa in dealing with the Middle East issues.

He said he had discussed with Moussa the latest developments in the peace making drive on the Palestinian track in particular as well as possible progress on the Syrian track and the situation in south Lebanon.

"Talks also took up the conclusion of an Egyptian-US free trade zone pact," Lieberman said. He also expressed his appreciation of the "positive transformations" being experienced by Egyptian economy.

The US official left for Beirut, as part of a regional tour. He had already visited Israel and the Palestinian self-rule areas, an Egyptian statement said.