In the series of heated communications currently taking place in the Egyptian capital, Abdul Halim Khaddam, the Deputy President of Syria, left Cairo on Sunday afternoon after a short visit to Egypt that lasted several hours, during which he met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
During the visit, Khaddam delivered a letter from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Mubarak, described as relating to the relations between the two countries and developments in the region. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher described it as related to “the situation in the Middle East and the importance Syria attaches to President Mubarak’s visit to the United States in advancing the peace process.”
Maher added that this “visit comes within the framework of the ongoing consultation between the two presidents,” noting that there is “harmony of opinion between Egypt and Syria regarding the desire to achieve comprehensive and just peace in the region and the requirements of this peace.”
It is worth mentioning that statements attributed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed that the Egyptian-Saudi-Syrian summit held weeks ago in Sharm El Sheikh took place under external pressure, a claim Maher denied, saying that it “took place based on the consensus of the three parties,” and pointing out that “the joint statement was agreed upon by the participants.”
Pressure
Regarding whether President Mubarak carries with him to the United States a peace plan that involves declaring the establishment of the Palestinian state by 2003, Maher said that Egypt’s position on the necessity of establishing the Palestinian state is known to everyone, and all elements of the Palestinian settlement are also known. He emphasized the importance of not speculating or attempting to discuss matters and positions announced by Mubarak before.
As for whether Mubarak will carry a message from Syria during his visit to Washington regarding its inclusion in the list of terrorism, Maher said that the message conveyed by Khaddam is related to the desire to achieve comprehensive and just peace, adding that when Mubarak visits any country, he speaks about the problems of the entire region and carries the interests of all Arab countries in his pocket.
Ahmed Maher concluded his statements by saying that Egypt does not act under pressure from any party.