Moussa describes Palestinan-Israeli agreement as a step in the right direction

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa begins today a two-day visit to Jordan in which will meet with Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan carrying a communique from President Mubarak concerning the peace process, the general situation in the Middle East region and the Arab states.

Moussa said that during the visit he will hold talks with Prince Hassan and high-ranking Jordanian officials, including the prime minister, the head of the Royal Divan, and the foreign minister. The discussions will tackle the recent developments in the peace process, within the outcomes of the Wye Plantation agreement, in addition to international, regional and Arab issues of joint interest.

Moussa described the agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis that was signed yesterday as a step in the right direction toward regaining Palestinian territories and moving toward the negotiation about the main issues topped by Jerusalem, the refugees, self-determination for the Palestinian people and other main issues.

Moussa said there is no doubt that President Clinton, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and the US team exerted great efforts to persuade the two parties, especially Israel, to move toward achieving this agreement.

Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry announced that French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and Moussa have agreed to review conditions in the region following the conclusion of the Wye Plantation negotiations. The French ministry added that, "We keep regular contact with our Egyptian partner, and will determine together with Egypt how we can be useful."