Arafat- Powell meeting positive

Egyptian Foreign Minister Maher described Sunday's meeting between Arafat and the US. Secretary of State Colin Powell as positive despite the hesitation prior to it.

Maher, replying to diplomatic editors' queries Sunday, said that the Arafat -Powell meeting indicates that it was serious, noting that another meeting would be held Monday between the aides of both Arafat and Powell.

Asked about published reports on Israeli premier Ariel Sharon's proposal to hold an international meeting to solve the Palestinian problem after reaching a cease-fire, and whether this meant the peace process on the palestinian track would start from zero point, Maher said Egypt would never accept anything implying a zero point concept.

On the Israeli side's refusal to have international observers deployed, Maher said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan forwarded the idea unofficially to the Security Council.

"The deployment of international observers is essential as dictated by the current situation in order to protect the Palestinian people and to disengage the two sides pending a final settlement," said Maher.

On the Israeli threats and provocations on the borders with Lebanon, Maher said Egypt is keen on Lebanon's security and rejects the threats against it.