Maher: security inseparable from politics

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher underlined the need for an immediate implementation of the Mitchell recommendations.

Maher was speaking at a joint press conference following his talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres on Sunday.

He highlighted the need for a fast action for the implementation of the report recommendations.

"It is not possible to focus on the security aspect of the report while ignoring the political one", said Maher.

He stressed that the ceasefire should never be linked to political action.

On the Israeli usurpation of Palestinian territories, Maher said the issue was addressed.

Asked whether Peres has shown flexibility or readiness to halt hostilities, Maher said that Peres told him that some issues were brought to an end but he did not reply on other matters.

The Egyptian side raised the issue of dispatching international observers but Peres said that it would be difficult to have them and they would have a tough time trying to monitor the situation.

"On our part, we asserted that the presence of these observers would deter any party seeking to violate the ceasefire," the top diplomat said.

On his part, Peres said that means to stop aggressive threats were tackled. he described President Hosni Mubarak`s attitude as very positive.

Egypt has played a positive role, said Peres. He voiced hope for more of this role.

Peres has left Cairo following a lightning visit during which he met with Mubarak.