Mubarak pessimistic about current peace talks impasse

The Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has expressed his believes that the Middle East peace process will not get out of its current impasse unless Israel commits itself to agreements signed with the Palestinians under the sponsorship of America and Russia.

In a statement to the Egyptian magazine Mayou, Mubarak said means for pushing the peace process forward will be discussed during the coming visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region. He stressed that peace is a basic option that has no alternative.

"We will never feel desperate, and we will keep on pushing the peace process forward, whatever obstacles are placed in front of it, until a just and comprehensive peace is attained on the basis of UN resolutions and the land for peace principle," President Mubarak said.