Maher phones Arafat on situation in Palestinian territories

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher phoned Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah late Sunday.

Arafat posted Maher on the' outcome of his talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell earlier in the day.

Arafat described the talks as good, but falling short of reaching a specific outcome. However, he added that the talks would continue between both parties as of Monday.

Maher also received a phone call from Palestinian International Cooperation Minister Nabil Shaath on the outcome of the Arafat -Powell meeting.

Meanwhile, Maher will visit Moscow on Wednesday for talks with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov on means to halt the deteriorating conditions in the Palestinian territories.

The talks will also cover the Russian role in the Middle East peace process.