By News Agencies - 02/10/2006
CAIRO - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday discussed the situation in the Middle East - including the increased strife among Palestinians - during a visit by Jordanian King Abdullah II in the Egyptian capital.
Following their meeting, both leaders called for self-restraint among Palestinian factions following fierce infighting in the Gaza Strip.
"How could we call on [our foreign counterparts] to help push for peace, and risk being faced with their questions regarding what is currently happening in the Palestinian arena?" Mubarak asked and added, "Do these events pave the way for the reinstatement of the peace process?"
The Gaza Strip on Sunday experienced wide-scale unrest as at least eight Palestinians were killed and 100 others wounded in day-long clashes between militants from the armed wing of Fatah and militia from the ruling Hamas movement.
"The Palestinian internal fighting is a red line that must not be crossed," Mubarak said after he and Abdullah shared iftar, the sunset meal that breaks the daylight fast of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.
"It is not acceptable for such clashes to go on, especially at a time when a unified stance is urgently needed so that we can go back to the negotiations table," he added.
The two leaders told the press they believed the current situation could result in repercussions for the Palestinian people.
"This point in time is critical in the history of the Palestinian cause," Mubarak said. "The Palestinians should have a unified voice, and should prove that there exists a Palestinian partner that could be negotiated with in the establishment of an independent and legitimate state."
The leaders also discussed efforts to strengthen Sudan`s security and again expressed their unwavering support for the Lebanese government.
They also called on the international community to continue sending humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, who they said are in dire need of help under an almost-constant Israeli blockade and who are downcast by worsening living conditions following a cut in US aid.
Abdullah, who arrived in the afternoon, left Cairo following the meal banquet.
Egypt`s state-owned Al-Ahram daily newspaper reported Friday that unnamed Arab diplomats in Cairo said Washington was trying to persuade moderate Arab states to put more pressure on Hamas to work with Abbas to resume peace talks with Israel. The Islamic group Hamas dominates the Palestinian Cabinet and holds a majority in the legislature.
Egypt and Jordan are two of Israel`s Arab neighbors that signed peace treaties and have full diplomatic relations. Both countries also are close allies of the United States.
Abdullah`s visit comes two days before U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to arrive in Egypt, where she is set to meet eight Arab foreign ministers in an effort to revive stalled Middle East peace talks.
