Egypt opposes any military strike against Arab states

"State Secretary Colin Powell is committed to his words in the recent speech," said Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher.

In an interview with Egyptian TV on Friday, Maher said that Powell is determined to press ahead with the implementation of his vision by getting the Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations for a final settlement.

Maher said that the reported strain in Egyptian-Israeli ties was not addressed during his visit except for his meeting with leading Jewish community figures.

The top Egyptian diplomat said that the reasons for calling the Egyptian ambassador back home are still standing and when Israel resumes serious negotiations, the ambassador will be back.

Asked whether US officials showed willingness to help Egypt face economic repercussions of the September 11 attacks, Maher said that Egypt does not seek additional aid but rather the acceleration of some steps that would highlight solidarity with Egypt.

"The US has showed willingness and desire to see into possible contribution to these issues," Maher said.

Asked whether he discussed US policies toward Arab states such as Sudan, Libya and Iraq, Maher said that he has not got a chance for a detailed discussion of this issue.

He stressed that the Egyptian stance is well known.

"A solution should be reached to the Sudanese issue while maintaining Sudanese integrity of territories," said Maher.

On the Iraqi issue, Maher said that Egypt believes that it is important and necessary for Iraq to implement UN resolutions and adopt stances that are not threatening any neighbouring countries and in the meantime, the Iraqi people's sufferings should be eliminated.

Egypt has long repeated that it does not accept any military strikes against any Arab state, a matter that should be avoided by the US, said Maher.

Egypt stands against the division of Iraq and always supports integrity of Iraqi territories, said Maher.

In an interview with Cairo Radio, Maher pointed out that the U.S. officials have expressed appreciation of President Hosni Mubarak and Egypt's policies in support of the peace efforts between the Palestinians and Israelis and the fight against terror.

Maher said that the U.S. officials were understanding of the September 11 incidents' negative impact on the Egyptian economy and means to cooperate to cushion their effects.

On the anti Egypt media campaign as well as criticism by some U.S. administration figures, Maher said "there is no campaign but rather some voices whose sources and inspirations are known to us and they are trying to undermine the Egyptian-US relations".

"These attempts ended up in failure, and in our meetings in Washington-and with the Congressmen I have not met anything of the sort," said the Foreign Minister.

On the activities of the Jewish lobby in the United States against Egypt and Arabs and his meeting with the Jewish community there, Maher said he is aware of these attempts by some elements in the lobby.

The Jewish members I met with are supporting Israel but they are able to understand the reality of things.

"Although I cannot say they agreed with me on all what I have said, but at least they were upbeat on some facts that might have not been known to them, or concealed from them," said Maher.

Maher described the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as moderate and involves important personalities, adding he sensed their readiness to listen and be convinced.

"I have explained that the unconditional stalwart support for Israel will eventually undermine the interests of Israel itself," he said.