Mubarak telephones Arafat, dispatches Maher to Israel

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Thursday telephoned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to discuss the latest developments between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The President also dispatched Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher to Tel Aviv on an emergency mission.

Maher, who has flown to Tel Aviv, said in pre-departure statements he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat within the framework of efforts and contacts by President Mubarak to put an end to the critical deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories.