Resumption of Egyptian - Iranian diplomatic relations shortly

Egypt said yesterday that the resumption of relations with Iran is a "natural" matter, and that declaring it might be made very soon, whereas Tehran stressed that this measure has entered the final "Protocol" phase.

The Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher, said yesterday in Sharm Esh Sheikh resort, that the resumption of relations is proceeding on the right track, noting that this will take place very soon.

In a statement, he indicated that it is natural that diplomatic relations will be resumed between the two countries after a cessation of almost quarter of a century, because the two sides are considered very two important countries.

Worthy mentioning that the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met his Iranian counterpart Muhammad Khatami in Geneva during the Informatiion Technology society summit in December 2003. Diplomatic sources said that the meeting was successful.

The resumption of relations between Cairo and Tehran is expected to end the last disagreement took place between Egypt and Islamic states because of the peace accord Egypt had finalized with Israel in 1979.