On Sunday Egypt's Foreign Ministry called on the US to arrange an international peace conference in the Middle East with the aim of increasing the political impetus for peaceful compromise. In a statement, Foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi said that all successful models for peaceful settlements have resulted from international conferences sponsored by the US. Following a meeting with US congressman Steve Chabot, Arabi said that the preliminary agreement for Palestinian reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, signed in Cairo last week, means a united Palestinian side that is ready for negotiations for comprehensive peace. Now, he said, a positive Israeli counterpart is required. Arabi called on Chabot to urge the US Congress and administration to recognize the Palestinian nation, saying this would conform to what the US administration previously expressed in terms of supporting peace through a two-state solution. Chabot, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, is visiting Cairo as part of a tour of the region. Arabi and Chabot discussed Egypt's foreign policy in the aftermath of the 25 January revolution which toppled former president Hosni Mubarak. Arabi noted that Egypt is opening new chapters in its relations with all countries, said the statement. Translated from the Arabic Edition
