Mubarak calls for a nuclear-free Middle East

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak today in Cairo reiterated his call to clear the Middle East from nuclear weapons and from weapons of mass destruction, stressing that piling up nuclear weapons and redeploying of chemical weapons does not serve peace nor help in achieving it.

In a speech he delivered today, President Mubarak held Israel responsible for obstructing the Middle East peace process. He asserted the need of restoring back the occupied Arab territories and guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinians, otherwise problems will continue. "Just and comprehensive peace is the only guarantee for ensuring security and stability for all," he said.