Mubarak, Chirac call for halting violence in Palestinian territories

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and President Jacques Chirac demanded a halt to violence in the occupied Palestinian territories in order to create a favourable atmosphere for peace negotiations.

In statements following the end of their talks, the two Presidents said ongoing violence would make it difficult to resume negotiations.

President Mubarak, on his part, warned that continued violence would lead to terrorism, which is feared to rage across the region.

Mubarak and Chirac voiced deep concern about escalation of violence and expressed hope that the two parties would return to the table of negotiations.

On his part, Chirac welcomed Mubarak and said they have dwelt on promoting bilateral relations, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Middle East peace process.

Chirac described the Egyptian-French relations as excellent.

The President said he is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories. He voiced deep concern over the growing violence and hoped for halting violence and the resumption of negotiations.

Mubarak asserted that stability could never be reached as long as violence continued and expressed his hope for a Euro-French move that could help bring violence to an end.