Mubarak receives Moussa: Arab leaders see serious situation in the region

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak Tuesday received Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa. The meeting was held at the presidential headquarters in Cairo.

Moussa said President Mubarak highlighted the importance of taking a clear-cut Arab stance regarding serious regional developments, especially in Iraq and Palestine.

In statements following his meeting with Mubarak, Moussa said that the meeting took up the developments in the Middle East and the Arab states leader's viewpoint on the situation in the region, Moussa said.

There is an Arab consensus to urgently take a clear and unified stance towards the deteriorating situation, he added.

Asked whether an expanded or mini Arab summit would be held soon, the Arab League chief said it is possible.

Moussa said Mubarak will have contacts with a number of Arab heads of state and government.

He added that all Arab leaders believed that the current situation was serious and needed a unified stance.

Moussa said he also discussed with Mubarak the developments in Syria and Lebanon and relations between both countries.

Mubarak will maintain contacts with Syrian President Bashar AL-Assad to contain any negative impact on the Syrian-Lebanese relations.

In this context, Moussa sounded upbeat over the announcement of the new Lebanese Cabinet lineup.