Mubarak receives Solana

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday received European Union Security Chief Javier Solana, and his accompanying delegation, who is now visiting Egypt.

Solana, in press statements after the meeting, said that the talks took up the recent developments in the Middle East.

There are continued contacts between the EU leaders and President Mubarak on the Middle East issue due to the leading role played by Egypt in this regard.

Solana noted that his visit to Egypt comes as part of a tour of the region to have talks with officials in these countries aimed at reducing tension in the region.

He said that it would be difficult within the current situation to predict the outcome of his tour, adding the EU, however, will exert its utmost efforts.

Solana added that he sensed a constructive inclination in his talks with the Israeli side, describing the Palestinian stand during his talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat as constructive too.

A spokesman for Solana said at least the situation ahead of assassination of Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze'evi should be restored.

Meanwhile, the EU Senior official remarked that the war against terrorism does not target the Arab world but rather a war waged by the west in cooperation with Arab countries.

Solana said that he will head for Amman to have talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan as part of efforts within this framework.