Moussa: Egypt - US relations should be separate from Egypt - Israel relations

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, in the United States prior to the official visit of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, told members of the Arab community in Detroit, Michigan that US relations with Egypt should not be contingent on Egyptian relations with Israel.

He said that Israel must implement the Wye River accords and stop settlement operations, adding, "Only this can restore the peace process to the right track so that the negotiating sides can embark on the final status talks."

Moussa said that the Arab states would cooperate with Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak if Barak makes positive moves toward peace.