Volunteerism lauded MRS SUZANNE Mubarak, this week, called on the society to demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism. In a keynote speech delivered on the occasion of the International Day for Volunteer Work, Mrs Mubarak stressed that all possible volunteer efforts were required now more than at any other time, to support "dedicated official efforts" in addressing the pressing socio-economic needs of the less privileged groups of society and to attain modernisation. Mrs Mubarak praised the increasing role of non-governmental organisations, especially those run by the younger generation, in promoting the concepts of volunteer work and described NGOs as active partners in building the nation's future. Clear UN message FOREIGN Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit has expressed his appreciation over the concern the international community has shown towards Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories. Offering vocal support to nine resolutions that were recently adopted by the UN condemning the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Arab territories, including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, Abul-Gheit said the resolutions should send Israel a clear message about the firm commitment of the international community to establish a fair and just peace in the Middle East. He added that the resolutions should remind Israel of its responsibilities to honour the requirements of international law, especially in relation to the Fourth Geneva Conventions on the treatment of individuals under military occupation. The resolutions, adopted by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority of over 111 votes, are non-binding on Israel. Going Far East EGYPT is trying hard to spread its diplomatic wings by focussing on regions that have not received adequate attention. The Far East, with its economic potential and increasing diplomatic weight on the international scene, is now figuring high on the list of Egyptian priorities. This week Assistant Foreign Minister Ezzat Saad ended a tour that included South Korea, China, Mongolia and Japan. During his talks with senior officials in Seoul, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo, Saad stressed Cairo's willingness to pursue warmer diplomatic ties and a larger volume of trade. Attracting direct foreign investments was also on the agenda of Saad's talks. Back home FOREIGN Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit met on Sunday the six Egyptian students who were released by Israeli authorities. The students, who were detained for nearly four months by Israel for allegedly threatening Israeli security, were accompanied by their parents. They conveyed their gratitude to President Hosni Mubarak and Abul-Gheit for all the efforts they exerted for their return. Abul-Gheit said that it was President Mubarak's personal follow-up that released the students. "Anyone who has seen the happiness in the eyes of the students and their families must be relieved that these young men now have their future before them and not behind them, in an Israeli prison," Abul-Gheit told reporters at a press conference. NGO back THE GROUP for Democratic Development (GDD) resumed its work as a registered non- governmental organisation after a voluntary freeze of four years. The group, which works in human rights and enhancing democratic development in Egypt, will publish the first Arabic guidebook about elections in the Arab world "to guarantee better administration for free elections".
