Egypt, Arab League call for Israel's withdrawal from Arab lands

Egyptian presidential political advisor Osama El-Baz has urged Israel to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories.

In a statement to al-Sharq radio on Monday, El-Baz said the Israeli occupation of the Arab lands is illegal and illegitimate, adding that Israel has to withdraw and its "withdrawal is not a gift."

El-Baz continued that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will visit the Middle East after the visit intended to be made by new Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to Washington.

He added that Albright's visit aims at briefing the leaders of the region on the American views toward revitalizing the Middle East peace process.

Meanwhile, the Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Arab Affairs Ahmad Bin Hali said the realization of peace and security in the region depends on the extent of implementing peace requirements and abidance by UN Security Council resolutions and the land-for-peace formula.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Seyasah, Bin Hali asserted the importance of a united Arab stand for achieving comprehensive peace.