Mubarak, Arafat, probe latest developments in occupied territories

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak receives today Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat who arrived in Alexandria Monday evening on a short visit to Egypt.

The meeting will probe latest developments in Palestinian territories and exerted efforts to rescue the peace process.

A delegation comprising Palestinian Planning and International Cooperation Minister Nabil Shaath and the President's aide Nabil Abu-Rdeina accompany the Palestinian leader.

Shaath had earlier given statements to Palestine Satellite Channel in which he asserted that the prospected meeting between Arafat and Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres should be well prepared.

He stressed that Peres should have a clear-cut mandate on all issues.

On the other hand, French Press Agency quoted Egyptian sources as saying that President Mubarak will meet Tuesday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal who arrives in Cairo today to have talks on the situation in the Middle East.

Moreover, President Mubarak will receive European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana who will arrive in Cairo tonight for talks on means of paving the way for revival of Palestinian -Israeli talks.

Solana, who is on a current regional tour, will also confer with Osama Al-Baz, President Mubarak political advisor.

On the other hand, President Mubarak receives today speaker of the Italian Chamber of deputies Pierre Ferdinand Casini who arrived in Cairo on Monday with his accompanying delegation.

During the visit, Casini will hold talks with People's Assembly speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour on boosting parliamentary cooperation and issues related to the Middle East.

Talks will also dwell on the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories and issues of mutual interest.