No stability without peace

Egyptian President Mubarak said there was no disagreement between Italy and Egypt over the need to combat terrorism and that both countries share identical viewpoints regarding the importance of a just and durable solution to the Middle East issue.

In statements at the military airport in Rome late Tuesday, Mubarak said,"Peace maintains balance, security and stability for all countries and nations of the world".

"The international community should not shelve efforts to solve the Palestinian issue over preoccupation with the current combat of terrorism," Mubarak said.

He added that working out a solution for the Palestinian issue is a basic element in world stability.

"Fighting terrorism is an open and shut case," said Mubarak, recalling that Egypt had suffered from terrorism. He added that Egypt supports the elimination of terrorism.

"Terrorist operations cost the Egyptian people dearly and affected economy and stability," said Mubarak.

Had it not been for the cohesion of the Egyptian people and their unanimous stand, Egypt would have never eliminated terrorism, Mubarak asserted.