Arab public opinion cannot be ignored

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor Ossama E1 Baz said that the powers concerned with the peace process, which have interests in the region, especially the United States, must be told that there is public opinion in the Arab world, which cannot be ignored.

He stressed the importance of Arab coordination led by Egypt in order to reach a unified Arab stance.

In statements to "Good Morning Egypt" TV program, Baz cited President Mubarak's statements that the current events in the occupied territories were unacceptable by any Arab country.

He said that A1 Aqsa Intifada started in protest against the visit to A1 Aqsa mosque by Ariel Sharon, which angered the Palestinians.

Baz described the Palestinian requests as legitimate because "They are based on ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories".

The Presidential adviser said that the withdrawal of the United States and Israel from the World Conference Against Racism in Durban harmed the image of the two countries, especially the United States.

He said that Israel had isolated itself at the Durban conference because of excessive use of force against the Palestinians and its rejection to resume negotiations.

On a possible meeting between US President George Bush and Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat, he said that such meeting would be held sooner or later.

Baz pointed out that President Hosni Mubarak was making daily telephone contacts with Arab leaders to adopt a unified stance leading to a change on the ground and preventing Israel from pursuing its aggression on Palestinians.