Mubarak meets four Arab ministers on Palestinian question, Sudan, Iraq

As the Egyptian efforts continue to follow-up the developments in the Palestinian, Sudanese and Iraqi arenas, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak had consultations with Foreign ministers of Sudan, Libya, Tunisia and Oman.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, who attended President Mubarak's meetings with the four Ministers, said the talks covered the goings-on of Arab issues.

“President Mubarak stressed the importance of pursuing efforts to achieve the Palestinian people's hopes and stability,” Maher added.

The talks also centered on the situation in Iraq, he said, noting that President Mubarak's attitude towards the possible American attacks on Iraq is clear.

As to Egypt-Libya initiative on Sudan, Maher said the initiative would continue to maintain Sudan's unity and safety.

“Egypt opposes the military actions in Sudan and calls for immediate cease-fire as force failed to settle the Sudanese problems in the past years,” Maher added.

Meanwhile, Sudanese Foreign Minister Moustafa Osman Ismail on Thursday conveyed a message from President Omar Al-Bashir to President Mubarak.

In statements following his meeting with the President, Ismail noted that the message dealt with the ongoing events in Sudan especially in light of the Sudanese government's decision to suspend talks which were held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Machakos accord.

“The meeting also took up the latest developments in Torit, captured recently by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement,” he said.

Ismail kept the president posted on outcome of his meetings with top Egyptian officials especially his meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid which tackled the joint committee and implementation of agreements signed by the two countries.

Ismail said that President Mubarak entrusted him with a reply message to President Bashir in which he underscored the need for coordination and consultations between Sudan and Egypt.

Ismail added that Mubarak gave his orders to Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher to meet with him to coordinate stances between both countries.