It was revealed today that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has sent a message to Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, confirming “well-known Egyptian positions.” Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, in a statement to journalists, confirmed this and mentioned that President Mubarak’s message was in response to a letter received from his Syrian counterpart regarding the Middle East situation.
Minister Maher also emphasized that President Assad’s message highlighted the importance that Damascus places on President Mubarak’s upcoming visit to Washington. The visit is seen as significant for advancing efforts to establish security and stability in the Middle East, with President Mubarak playing a personal role in this regard.
Minister Maher stated that Khaddam’s visit to Cairo is part of ongoing consultations between the two presidents. He emphasized that there is a consensus on the desire to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, along with its requirements, in the region. He further explained that the Syrian message expressed the desire for a comprehensive and just peace. Additionally, he highlighted that President Mubarak, wherever he goes, addresses the problems and concerns of the entire Arab region and carries the interests of the entire Arab nation.
In response to a question from Al-Hidd journalists, Maher emphasized that the recent Egyptian-Saudi-Syrian (Sharm el-Sheikh) summit was agreed upon by all three parties, resulting in a joint statement endorsed by the leaders. He expressed his belief that the matter does not require further comment. Maher clarified that the recent statements made by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad regarding American pressure on certain Arab leaders were not discussed during the meeting attended by President Mubarak’s aides.
He continued by stating, “It is widely known that Egypt does not act under any pressure from any party.”
Regarding the publication of Egyptian ideas in an Arab newspaper, suggesting that President Mubarak would present them to American President George Bush in 2003 regarding the declaration of a Palestinian state, Maher explained that Egypt’s position on the establishment of a state and all elements of a Palestinian settlement is well-known. However, he emphasized that there is nothing new to add in this regard. Maher stressed the importance of avoiding speculation on this matter because it is already clear and should not be subject to any speculative discussions unrelated to the previously announced topics by Egypt.
