Maher :Israeli attacks on Palestinians inconsistent with desire for peace

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher yesterday said the continuation of Israeli attacks on the Palestinians was "inconsistent with any real desire for peace".

"Egypt demands Israel to work serious towards achieving peace," he told reporters following a meeting wit Palestinian Minister of Planning and International cooperation Nabil Shaath.

The Palestinian official had conveyed to Maher a message from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to President Mubarak on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories.

Maher renewed his demand for the Israelis to stop their attacks, ending blockade of the Palestinain self-rule areas and show serious cooperation during US-sponsored security talks.

Shaath said that he would convey the Palestinian stand to European foreign ministers whom he will meet in Brussels. He added that a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres in Brussels was not planned.