Egypt calls for intensive efforts to end violence

Egypt's President Mubarak yesterday held a meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat during which they reviewed the current developments in the occupied territories, and "Israeli savage practices against Palestinians."

Upon his return home from Cairo Monday after a few hours visit to the Egyptian capital Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat denied that he had discussed with President Hosni Mubarak the prospects of holding a trilateral or quadrilateral summit.

"We just spoke about the serious situation currently taking place in the region including the Israeli aggression, shelling Palestinian targets and using gunships against the Palestinian people," Arafat added.

Arafat said that he expounded to President Mubarak the illegitimate Israeli practices including the demolition of houses and factories.

Arafat urged the Israeli government to halt its aggressive actions, asking the US to force Israel to stop these acts of aggression.

Within the context of international efforts being exerted to put an end to the deterioration of the situation, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan arrived to the region Monday while Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, paid avisit to Syria on a tour to the region that includes Israel.