Report: Mubarak refuses to visit Israel

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has refused an Israeli invitation extended by the chairman of the foreign relations committee at the US Congress to visit Israel.

The Egyptian weekly al-Osbo said the invitation, which was extended by the US congressional official during his recent visit to Egypt, aimed at urging President Mubarak to visit Israel during April.

In his response to the invitation, President Mubarak said he will visit Israel at the appropriate time and according to the true requirements of the visit in order to attain its own objectives.

The Egyptian weekly said that before agreeing to pay such a visit to Israel, the Egyptian president sets a precondition: is Israel's abidance by a just and comprehensive peace.