Israel FM upbeat over Egypt talks

The talks raised hopes for increased dialogue

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom says he is encouraged by Egyptian efforts to promote dialogue with the Palestinians.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met Mr Shalom in Geneva, his first talks with a senior Israeli for more than a year.

Mr Shalom said he hoped the Egyptians could promote a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers.

He added that there were also plans for President Mubarak to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

'Encouraged'

Egypt has been pushing efforts to revive the stalled Middle East process.

At a news conference after the meeting, Mr Shalom said: "I am very encouraged to hear that President Mubarak will do everything he can to narrow the gap between us and the Palestinians."

He added that he hoped Egypt would soon send an ambassador back to Israel.

Cairo recalled its envoy three years ago in protest at the start of the second Palestinian uprising or intifada.

Meeting hope

Mr Shalom is planning to meet the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Nabil Shaath, according to an Israeli official.

The two men are in Rome to attend a donor conference, which aims to coordinate aid for Palestinians.

Mr Shalom also called for dialogue with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmed Qurei, also known as Abu Ala.

"It is a time to call Abu Ala to come back to the negotiating table without any preconditions," Mr Shalom said.

"We believe that if Palestinians will not put any preconditions in order to have a meeting between Sharon and Abu Ala, we will be able to have this meeting in the next few days," he added.

The Israeli foreign minister said that President Mubarak had pledged to do "everything he can to narrow the gap between us and the Palestinians".

President Mubarak made no comment after the meeting.