Mubarak, Clinton explore ways to nudge Palestinians, Israelis towards an accord

At the beginning of the Egyptian-US Summit in Cairo, yesterday morning, President Mubarak said all parties were doing their best to assist the Palestinians and Israelis reach a solution to their problems and to draw up a framework agreement assisted by the United States next month.

Meantime, US President Bill Clinton said time has started to run out and we shall work together for finding a way to help the two sides overcome problems.

"All parties are aware of Egypt's leadership and its support which is needed for reaching an agreement," the US President said , adding that President Mubarak's role has been pivotal in the peace process for nearly 20 years.

We are working together to see whether or not we could find a way to assist the parties overcome this big obstacle.

Following the 90-minute summit which was held at the presidential lounge at Cairo International Airport early morning yesterday, Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the Egyptian-US summit was positive, good and significant, adding it focussed on the Palestinian Israeli track, its associated problems, various tracks of the Middle East peace process apart from other relevant issues.

Asked if Mubarak-Clinton summit raised hope to have a breakthrough by September 13, Moussa said that we shall try to do our utmost to reach balanced solutions within the discussed frameworks and international legitimacy.

Asked if Egypt has presented certain proposals during Tuesday summit, Moussa said that the talks covered a number of proposals suggested by both sides.

On whether a Palestinian-Israeli summit would be held shortly, Moussa said that it is known that President Clinton will meet with both Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Premier Ehud Barak in New York early September.

Moussa termed Mubarak-Clinton talks as good, positive and significant. He expressed optimism over President Clinton's insistence on maintaining pace efforts.

No new ideas were proposed during the summit, Moussa said when asked if Clinton has presented certain new ideas.

However, there are means, suggestions and views, Moussa added, hoping that progress would be made within the coming few days.

"Still, this needs great efforts" he said.

"While President Clinton insists on playing a positive role till the last day of his administration, he carefully listens to the proposed ideas," according to Moussa.

"Egypt plans to maintain contacts and coordination with the US Administration as well as the two parties concerned hoping to make a breakthrough on the basis of international legitimacy and balanced and just agreement, he added.