Maher meets with British Minister

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher met on Thursday with British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa Ben Bradshaw.

Following the meeting, Bradshaw said that he held constructive talks with Maher on a set of issues, including the Middle East peace process, Iraq and bilateral relations which he described as excellent and always improving.

He stressed the identity of views of Egypt and Britain on the situation, emphasizing the importance of pushing matters towards full implementation of the Mitchell report.

Both Egypt and Britain believe in the necessity to pacify matters, not only between Palestinians and Israelis but among the peace-concerned sides as well.

Bradshaw said he conveyed the results of the latest meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his British counterpart Tony Blair on ways to push things forward.

"We do not accept Israeli precondition to reach a 100 % calm week as this has not been recommended by the Mitchell report," said Bradshaw.

He added that this was the content of the message which he would convey to Israel during his visit late Thursday.

He voiced hope that progress would be achieved because the alternative was otherwise extremely dangerous not only for Palestinians and Israelis but for the whole neighbouring states and the world.

Bradshaw left Cairo Thursday evening after talks with Maher and Arab League Chief Amr Moussa.

Cairo was the first leg in Bradshaw's tour that is taking him to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

His talks in Cairo also covered the call for deployment of international observers in the Palestinian areas.