Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak's upcoming visit to the United States, which is to begin on Wednesday, is a " peace mission" that comes at a crucial time, due to the ongoing tension in Palestine, Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Maher said on Tuesday.
In a statement to Egyptian television, Maher expressed that Mubarak's visit to Washington emerged from his, “experience and vision of the events” as well as the Bush administration’s desire to listen to his views, KUNA reported.
The US is preparing to move at this stage according to what the Egyptian President has demanded of “taking a stand”, aimed at helping both the Israelis and the Palestinians reach a fair peace, Maher added. This demand prompted US President George W. Bush to invite Mubarak to the United States.
Maher confirmed Washington's ability to change the Israeli stance, indicating that it was “natural” of President Mubarak to accept the invitation, due to his ongoing efforts to achieve peace and grant the Palestinian people their rights.
Ahead of the Egyptian-American summit, President Mubarak is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with a number of American congress leaders.
Furthermore, he will meet US Vice President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Advisor, Condoleeza Rice.
The Egyptian leader is expected to also meet with leaders of Islamic and Arab organizations as well as representatives of several American Jewish organizations. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
