Egypt asks for AU support on Palestine

Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Egypt has asked for the support of the African Union (AU) over Palestinian attempts to gain United Nations (UN) recognition as an independent state, following the collapse of peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis.

Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf discussed the issue with African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping who is on an extended visit to Cairo, the Egyptian capital.

Egypt supports Palestinian attempt to gain the UN membership, which voting takes place this month.

The Middle East peace talks had broken down due to Israel's insistence on proceeding to build internationally-perceived illegal Jewish settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

The Egyptian Premier also informed Ping of the developments concerning the management of political and economic transition in Egypt, following the 25 January revolution.

Sharaf updated Ping on Egypt's plans to hold legislative elections later this year and presidential elections next year.

The two also discussed the situation in Libya, Sudan and Somalia and tackled issues of security and peace in Africa and Egypt’s role in settling such issues.

Ping is currently on a visit to Egypt, where he is attending the African Peace Envoys' Forum in Cairo, which will continue until 6 September.

Ping met Arab League officials on Saturday, where they discussed the latest developments in Libya, as well as the security challenges facing the African continent at large.
-0- PANA MI/BOS 5Sep2011