Algerian, Palestinian Leaders Hold Talks on Mideast PeaceIn his talks with Algerian President Abdel-Aziz Bouteflika in Ennaba city, about 600 kilometers east of the capital on Tuesday, visiting Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat briefed his host on the developments of the Middle East peace process.Addressing reporters after the talks, Arafat praised the "firm and historical" role of Algeria regarding the Palestinian issue, particularly in the current critical conditions relating to the peace process in the Middle East. According to Algerian News Agency, Algerian Minister of Interior and Local Communities Yazid Zerhouni, Minister of Water Resource Salim Saadi and Minister of Energy and Mines Chakib Khelil were present at the meeting from the Algerian side. Those representing the Palestinian side in the meeting also included Minister of Culture and Information Yasser Abded Rabou, Arafat's Advisor Nabil Abu Rdinah, said the report. Arafat arrived in Ennaba from Tunis Monday night as part of a shuttle tour among Arab capitals to brief Arab leaders on proceedings of failed Camp David talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak under auspices of U.S. President Bill Clinton late last month. Arafat, who already visited Saudi Arabia, yemen, Morocco and Tunisia, will also head for Egypt and Syria after his current visit to Algeria. |
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