Egypt concerned over renewed siege on Arafat's HQ

Egypt yesterday voiced concern over Israel's renewed siege of Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat's headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"Egypt is worried about [Israeli Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon's challenge to sincere peace efforts made during President Hosni Mubarak's visit to the United States," Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher told reporters after meeting with US envoy in Cairo David Welch.

He said that the Israeli stance would only lead to more violence. "We have repeatedly warned against such a situation," he said.

"As long as the doors are closed to any hope for a political solution, it will be impossible to halt violence," said Maher.

"Sharon's insistence on futile policies causes further deterioration of the situation," he said, adding that he had asked the US envoy for American intervention to end Sharon's escalation of aggression.

"The timing of Israeli operations to coincide with Sharon's visit to the United States is a blatant challenge to US peace efforts," Maher said.