Arab summit may be held on Oct 21 or 22

In an interview with the Egyptian TV "Sabah Gadid" program of the Nile News Channel today, President Hosni Mubarak said the Arab summit, which would probe the current Arab situation, could be held on October 21 or 22.

The summit may be held immediately following the Arab foreign ministers' meetings, scheduled to begin at the Arab League General Secretariat 0n October 21.

Mubarak accused Israel of stirring up the situation in the Palestinian territories.

"Israel's Likud Party Leader Ariel Sharon's visit to the occupied Al-Aqsa Mosque, accompanied by 1,300 soldiers was a provocative act," the President said.

He added that Israel fired live ammunition and rockets launched from helicopters at unarmed Palestinian protestors.

"Why should Israel do such provocations at the time the US, in support of Egypt, is exerting efforts to push the peace process ahead between the Palestinians and Israeli sides?" Mubarak wondered.