Anti-Israeli criticism should be exploited, urges Abdel Meguid

A veteran Arab diplomat has called for an Arab strategy to make use of constant world media criticism of Israeli and American positions on the Middle East peace process. Esmat Abdel Meguid, a former Egyptian foreign minister and the ex-secretary-general of the Cairo-based Arab League, told a media gathering on Tuesday night that several countries have opposed the ideas floated by US President George W. Bush on the future of the Middle East.

"Israel is now subject to criticism by UK media. The Arab media should exploit these stances to serve Arab interests," Abdel Meguid said at the meeting organised by the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA).