US ambassador: We will not withdraw from peace process

The US ambassador in Cairo, Daniel Kurtzer, said in a discussion with al-Ahram newspaper's political affairs editors that the wait for a final reply to the US initiative for restarting the peace process is getting closer to its end.

He said that President Clinton will receive after returning from his trip to China reports concerning the latest developments in the situation and specifically concerning the US initiative as well as discussing other alternatives like the French - Egyptian initiative.

Kurtzer stated that in case the US withdraws its suggestion if it is rejected by the parties involved, this does not mean the US is withdrawing from the peace process, adding, if that occurs, "We must form new ideas and evaluate the situation."

Kurtzer denied that the US economic aid program is being used as a tool for political pressure on Egypt, stating that the US administration started years ago reconsidering in its foreign aid program in order to balance its budget.