Sezer supports Mubarak's call for int'l conference on terrorism

Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer announced his full support for President Hosni Mubarak's call for a UN-sponsored international conference on terrorism and repeated his invitation for Mubarak to visit Turkey.

At a news conference held at the presidential palace in Ankara on Friday, the Presidential Advisor for Foreign Affairs revealed details of Sezer's telephone conversation with Mubarak which aimed at exchanging views and information on the latest developments in the aftermath of the US plane attacks on September 11.

He said Mubarak noted that Egypt and Turkey are among the states that suffered most from terrorism over many years.

"Sezer described the call for conference as important and said that it is advocated by Turkey," said the Turkish Presidential Advisor.

Mubarak and Sezer shared the opinion that terrorism has no religion, neither geographical sphere.

"Sezer voiced relief over the latest meeting between Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres," said the advisor. Sezer regarded the meeting as a step on the right road.

"Mubarak emphasized the importance of reviving the peace process and called on Turkey to continue its pro-peace efforts," added the advisor.

He pointed out that Turkey's contacts with Egypt and some Baltic states were not requested by the US to court them to an international coalition, but due to Turkey's good relations with these countries and keenness on consulting with them.