Telephone call between Rice, Abu al-Gheit

Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit currently visiting Ethiopia, on Monday received a telephone call from US National Security Advisor Condoleezze Rice, who is nominated for the post of US secretary of state in succession of outgoing Colin Powell.

An Egyptian diplomatic source said that they discussed efforts towards a Palestinian settlement and the Middle East peace process. Rice affirmed her intention to assume an active US role in the Middle East once the US Congress endorses her nomination as the next secretary of state.