Egypt, an advocate of peace and stability in ME

Osama El-Baz, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's political advisor, told a Saudi newspaper urged the US-to adopt firm stances to stop the current deterioration in the Middle East situation.

"The US deals with Egypt on the basis of mutual respect. Contacts between the two countries, Presidents are conducted on the basis of equality." said El-Baz,to the Saudi Newspaper Al Shark Al Awsat refuting claims that the US is putting pressure on Egypt.

"Egypt's policy is based on balance, preservation of security and stability and advocacy of peace. This earns Egypt the respect and appreciation of Arab, African, Muslim and European countries "Accordingly, the US cannot turn a deaf ear to all this and pressures Egypt."

Terming Egyptian-Syrian ties as being in excellent shape, El-Baz denied Damascus has reservations about a peace plan launched by Egypt and Jordan.

"Syria seeks a comprehensive and fair solution based on the Madrid terms of reference," he said, referring to the landmark 1991 Madrid peace conference which brought Arabs and Israelis face to face for the first time.