Mar.  24, 2001

Egypt seeks to establish just peace and
stability in the region

    President Mubarak pointed out that casting doubts over the periodical meeting of Arab leaders would trigger frustration, warning that the Arab world would be then the loser.

    Mubarak renewed, in an interview with Al-Ahram newspaper his call for setting up an Arab Common Market to tackle the problem of unemployment before its explosion in the region.

    According to Mubarak, inter-Arab trade accounts for 8 % of total Arab foreign trade compared with 92 % the volume of Arab trade with Europe and the United States.

    As for Arab issues that will loom high on the agenda of his meetings with American officials during his anticipated visit to the United States, Mubarak cited total lifting of sanctions imposed on Libya as important issue as well as Egypt's backing to ending burdens heavy burdens imposed on the Iraqi people but within UN resolutions. Mubarak described Syria as partner, voicing Egypt's backing to Syria in its bid to restore its rights.

    "Shebea problem, which is of concern to Lebanon would remain linked to settlement on the Syrian track," Mubarak noted.

    President Mubarak affirmed that Egypt is against the division of Sudan and normalization of relations between Sudan, calling for the US. President Mubarak said that Egypt is seeking a fair peace that would bring in stability to the region, affirming that Egypt is not talking on behalf of Palestinians.

    Mubarak added that he would present the American administration with a frank and honest view of the situation in the region.

    Asked if the Untied States have any demands as a price for its aid, Mubarak denied that there were no demands in return for assistance between Egypt and the states.

    Responding to reports stating that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has urged the United States to call off its military assistance to Egypt, President Mubarak said If Sharon has truly called for cancelling military assistance. "I will consider it hostile attitude but I do not want to talk about our stance then,".

    Mubarak affirmed that the US aid is decreasing annually and would end after ten years. "Thus Egypt is looking forward to beefing up US investments and increase Egyptian exports to American market by working out a free trade agreement between Egypt and the States," Mubarak said.

    Mubarak asserted that Egypt refuses any interference in its internal affairs and that the American religious committee, now visiting, is a non-governmental one and it was not set up by the Congress.

    Mubarak alluded to rejection of many Egyptians: both Muslims and Christians of any meddling in Egypt's domestic affairs.