Ponjaert: Europe supports Mubarak's call to fight terrorism

Belgian Ambassador to Egypt Paul Ponjaert voiced Europe's support for President Hosni Mubarak's call to hold an international conference on terrorism-combat .

Speaking to MENA on Wednesday, Ponjaert, whose country is chairing the rotating EU presidency, pointed out that the issue needs time in order to make good preparations for this conference so as it could come up with positive results.

Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher's visit to Israel was of importance, he said, noting that Egypt plays an important role in efforts to halt violence and have the Palestinian and Israeli sides return to the negotiating table.

The EU is contributing to solving the Mideast issue through efforts by the two envoys to the region Miguel Orations and Javier Solana, he said. He described as rumours news circulating on expanding the US-led campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan to cover other countries.