Maher voices solidarity with Americans

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher expressed Egypt's solidarity with the American people and offered condolences over the death of Americans who fell in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

In statements at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Maher said Egypt condemned all forms of terrorism, pointing out that Egypt had suffered from the terrorist attacks, which prompted President Hosni Mubarak in 1986 to call for an international conference to combat out that Egypt had suffered from the terrorist attacks, which prompted President Hosni Mubarak in 1986 to call for an international conference to combat terrorism.

President Mubarak's call did not receive enough attention but after the recent attacks on the United States the call was raised again for organizing an anti-terrorism conference, said Maher.

He stressed the importance of avoiding civilian casualties during the response to the terrorist attacks.

He said that the anti-terror campaign must not be directed to any religion, pointing out that Islam encourages peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

Maher hailed the U.S. measures to prevent any violation of the rights of Muslims and Arabs living in the United States. The foreign minister said that the world ignored the rights of Palestinian people, adding that this creates unhealthy atmosphere, which could be exploited by terrorists.

Maher saluted the US administration for its positive stance on reiterating readiness to recognize a Palestinian state and work to resume peace talks.

The foreign minister slammed the Israeli government's refusal to abide by peace agreements signed with the Palestinians, noting that such refusal triggered a dangerous situation.

He underscored the importance of resuming peace talks and implementing the agreements signed between the two sides.

Maher said that the Palestinian people are facing daily sufferings as a result of demolition of their houses and sabotage of their hospitals and schools. The Palestinian cause is given priority by President Mubarak during his contacts with world leaders, said Maher, pointing out that Mubarak has been coordinating stances with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on dangerous situation in the Palestinian territories.