Egypt calls for Israeli freeze of settlements

CAIRO, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gheit asserted during meetings with US Secretary of State on the importance of ending Israeli threats and freezing settlements with the launch of negotiations.
Abul Gheit's statements to Middle east News Agency and Editors-in-chief of local dailies after his meeting last night with Hillary Clinton.
He had informed the US that Egypt welcomes and supports all US actions to resume Israeli-Palestinian direct negotiations, under the framework of Egypt's aim of supporting an independent Palestinian state.
Abul Gheit expects that the US would play a crucial role in negotiations.
Abul Gheit said that the re-launch of direct negotiations will begin in closed session Thursday between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the presence of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the American president's envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, Tony Blair, the representative of the international quartet committee.
Abul Gheit stressed that the Egyptian vision for negotiations aimed at reaching agreement to establish a Palestinian state, a functioning state with Jerusalem as its capital, including a just settlement of the refugee issue in accordance with the Arab initiative and references.
On the issue of negotiations, Abul Gheit said it was too early to talk about this matter, stressing that Egypt considers the need for both sides to remain in direct contact and negotiate on the issues raised, with a set agenda and priorities. (end) az.asa KUNA 011222 Sep 10NNNN