US Close consultations with Egypt on issue of Iraq
During their new conference, US Secretary of state Colin Powell described as strong the Egyptian-US relations.
On the economic and financial issues in light of September 11 attacks, Powell said: "We are aware that Egypt is having some financial and economic difficulty now, the drop in tourism, and we are looking at ways that we can accelerate some of our economic cooperation and other programs, and the Minister will be meeting with members of my staff and others in the administration to see how this can be brought about as quickly as possible. We want to be as responsive as we can."
Powell said that there was no difficulty in reconciling the Egyptian and Iraqi stances on Iraq.
"Both the United States and Egypt support the United Nations resolutions that require Iraq to give up weapons of mass destruction and to allow inspectors in.
"Both of us have a common understanding of the nature of that regime and what danger that regime poses on the region and to the world.
And we all want to keep Iraq contained. But at the moment, there is nothing for us to disagree about, in my humble judgment.
We will stay in close touch and consultations with our Egyptian friends and our other friends in the region as we go forward," Powell said.
Powell voiced satisfaction with the renewal of sanctions imposed on Baghdad for six months more.
"But this time in a way that will guarantee the benefit of the Iraqi people and without allowing the regime to benefit," he added.
On the issue of Egyptian detainees in American jails, Powell said: "We did discuss it, and the Minister expressed his concerns to me and I know there is concern and anxiety over this issue. And I assured the minister that I would look into it."
Powell cited some legal constraints and some obligations under various international accords. "We'll look into all of that. And I hope that in the very near future, as these investigations continue and as questions are answered and clarified, we'll be able to get this list of detainees down."