Cyprus calls for resumption of ME peace talks

Visiting Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides called for unconditional resumption of Middle East peace talks without delay.

Speaking at a press conference at the Cypriot Embassy on Friday, President Clerides praised as very fruitful and cordial his talks with President Hosni Mubarak.

Mubarak-Clerides talks in Sharm El-Sheikh on Thursday dwelt on issues of mutual interest, including the Cypriot problem the distinguished bilateral ties as well as the Palestinian cause.

The guest, who extended an invitation to President Mubarak to visit Cyprus, will conclude on Saturday his visit to Egypt.

President Mubarak accepted the invitation but set no date for the visit.

On the situation in the Middle East, Clerides reiterated his country's backing of the resumption of Mideast negotiations without delay.

Responding to a question by the Middle East News Agency (MENA) on a possible Cypriot mediation between the Palestinians and Israelis, the visiting President said that he discussed with President Mubarak numerous possibilities which he would not make public at the moment.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres will visit Cyprus Sunday.

He recalled discussing with Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid enhancing bilateral ties, promoting economic and trade cooperation and increasing the number of Cypriot tourists to Egypt.

Clerides said that he had tackled with Foreign Minister Amr Moussa a number of issues of mutual interest.

In 1999, the trade exchange volume between Egypt and Cyprus hit $ 100 million in Egypt's favour, Egypt exports oil to Cyprus.

On the Cypriot problem, Clerides said that "an urgent solution to the Cypriot problem is necessary.

"Egypt is assisting Cyprus to find a peaceful solution for its problem as based on the UN Security Council resolutions," said Clerides.