Cooperation for breaking peace process deadlock

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher held a meeting yesterday with US envoy to the Middle East William Burns in presence of US ambassador in Cairo David Welch. The US envoy also met Osama AL Baz, the Political Advisor to the President.

Addressing a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said the visit by US envoy to the Middle East William Burns to Cairo and the talks he held in the Egyptian capital are particularly important in light of the current difficult circumstances in the Palestinian territories.

Maher, following a meeting with Burns in the presence of US ambassador David Welch, made the remarks. Burns also met with Presidential Adviser Osama al Baz.

Maher described his discussions with Burns as comprehensive, deep and frank, noting that he agreed with the US envoy on some moves aimed to get out of the current stalemate which the Minister said Israel had brought upon the region.

Maher said he asked for implementing agreements signed between the Palestinians and Israelis.

On his part, Burns said the US attaches great importance to its partnership relations with Egypt and President Hosni Mubarak, saying he believed both countries could help the Israelis and Palestinians return to the political process and get out of the cycle of violence.

Regarding the US attitude towards Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Burns said it was based on recognizing Arafat as the elected leader of the Palestinian people and that the US administration would continue to deal with him.

However, Burns added, the US administration was "disappointed" because the Palestinian Authority failed to meet some of its commitments.