President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday met with Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the resumption of peace efforts in light of Israel's insistence on continuing settlement construction.
The meeting marks the second time in the past week the two have met in Cairo. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and intelligence chief Omar Suleiman were also in attendance.
Abbas briefed Mubarak on the results of his meeting on Tuesday with US Middle East Envoy George Mitchell, including discussions of final status issues. Abbas requested American assurances from Mitchell on direct or indirect future negotiations with Israel.
The Arab League this week voiced support Abbas' refusal to continue peace negotiations due to current settlement activity.
