Maher welcomes De Villepin's visit to Egypt

Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher welcomed Tuesday the visit of his French counterpart Dominique de Villepin to Egypt on Friday.

The latest developments need consultations among friends to unify their efforts to end this tragic situation in Iraq that will have serious repercussions in the region, Maher said.

In statements to reporters, Maher said contacts made by France with Russia, Germany and Britain was reviewed in general with the French ambassador in Cairo.

There will be another chance for more consultations with the French minister on Friday, he added.

Commenting on the Anglo-American summit in Belfast, Maher stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of Iraq and not to impose a foreign regime to rule the Iraqi people.