Maher meets US Senator on bilateral in relations, Iraqi issue

Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher conferred late on Friday with visiting US Senator Arlen Specter on furthering bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and the Iraqi issue.

In statement following the meeting, Maher said that he discussed with the US senator all issues of bilateral concern and updated him on the Egyptian stance over the latest developments in the region.

"The Sudanese file was also high on the agenda of the meeting," Maher said.

As for the situation in Iraq, the Foreign Minister said UN inspectors are working freely in cooperation with Iraqi authorities. Maher expressed hope such a level of cooperation would continue in order to avoid any military action that would negatively affect all parties.

On the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Maher said the Egyptian stance is clear-cut as Egypt urges Israel to stop all aggressions against the Palestinians. "Serious talks, within the framework of international legitimacy, should be resumed to help set up a sovereign Palestinian state," Maher said.

Maher affirmed that he stressed such a viewpoint to the American senator.

Asked about the importance of holding talks with a US legislator while the US Congress has already authorized the US President to wage war on Iraq, Maher said that talks with all Americans are useful.

"US congressmen have always been keen on getting the viewpoints of Egypt and the stances it opted for," he added.

"Contacts with all US powers and decision-making centers are useful," he reiterated.

The visiting US senator described talks with Maher as fruitful and very useful.

On the situation in Iraq, the US congressmen said he is deeply concerned with the situation there and expressed hope that a military action on the part of the US would be the last option.

He called on the international community to urge Iraq to fully cooperate with UN inspectors and disclose any Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMOs). "If the UN decided at the end a war on Iraq has to be launched, it should be backed," he said.

On the future of peace in the Middle East with the US proposed roadmap plan adjourned, Specter said he is still optimistic despite the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories. "All the parties concerned have become convinced with the idea of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel," he added.

"The Palestinians and Israelis have to intensify their efforts to realise such a goal," he said.

"The US President's viewpoint on peace in the Middle East include commitments by both parties to help realise the aspired peace," he added.

Specter affirmed that such a viewpoint was stressed during his latest talks with senior Palestinian and Israeli officials.

As regards linking terrorism to Islam, the US senator said the US is in war with Al-Qaeda organisation, not with Islam for which Washington looks with all due respect.