Combatting terrorism requires collective international efforts

The Shura Council's Arab and Foreign Affairs and National Security Committee said combatting terrorism requires swift collective international efforts within the framework of an international conference.

In a statement issued Monday, the committee asserted the need to differentiate between terrorist operations and the right of peoples to resist occupation.

Ending the Israeli occupation and reaching a just and comprehensive peace is the only way to realize security and stability in the Middle East, the committee said.

The committee endorsed Egypt's efforts and the continued contacts by President Hosni Mubarak at the international level to put an end to the Israeli brutal aggression against the Palestinian people.

The committee warned against the latest events in the Palestinian territories, saying it is necessary to exert continuous efforts to prevent further deterioration in the current situation.

The committee called on the international community, especially the United States and the European Union to halt the Israeli aggression, return to the table of negotiations and implement U.N. resolutions and the Mitchell report.