Egypt cautions USA against Israeli military escalation

Egypt cautioned the USA that Israel will be fully responsible if it carries out any military operation in Lebanon or the Palestinian Authority-ruled areas and east Jerusalem. Egypt also warned against the serious repercussions due to the Israeli arrogance of power.

This cautions came during US-Egyptian contacts after Israel has threatened Lebanon and surrounded Jerusalem with tanks and armed forces.

In a phone call with President Mubarak, US President Bill Clinton expressed his deep concern as regards the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Clinton also touched upon the role Egypt can play to calm down the situation so that the peace process may be resumed.

On his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa expressed Egypt's stance during his contact with his US counterpart, Madeleine Albright. Moussa stressed that Israel must withdraw its forces and stop air raids and the use of live bullets against the Palestinians.

A top ranking US official said that Clinton, Albright and a number of US officials had intensive contacts with the leaders in the region with a view to containing the serious Israeli escalation and threats.

Moreover, the spokesman of US National Security Council announced that the US officials are working round the clock to defuse the situation in the Middle East.