Italy's top parliament: Mubarak works for peace in ME

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Tuesday received in Alexandria P. Cassini, Speaker of the Italian House of Representatives and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting Egypt.

The Italian official expressed anxiety over the current situation in the Middle East.

President Mubarak spoke frankly about conditions in the Palestinian lands, Cassini told the press after the meeting.

The visiting official further added that there should be some initiative to get out of the current crisis to pave the way for peace talks. He referred to the meeting between President Mubarak and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Alexandria which took place today.

On his part, Speaker of the People's Assembly Ahmed Fathi Sorour, who attended the talks, said that the meeting was very important as President Mubarak briefed the Italian official on the recent developments in the region.

President Mubarak expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories due to the intransigence of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his agressive practices, added Sorour.