MISSION SUCCESSFUL: Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif has described his recent trip to the US as successful.
After meeting President Hosni Mubarak on Monday, Nazif told reporters that he conveyed to the president the "positive atmosphere" of the talks he had in Washington with US President George W Bush.
Nazif said his report to President Mubarak included the support expressed by US officials for the economic reform measures adopted by the Egyptian government.
As for the outcome of his talks in Washington on Egypt's political reforms, Nazif said that while the US believes the introduction of political reforms throughout the world could help Washington with its war against international terrorism, the US had not attempted to pressure Egypt in this regard. "I felt no pressure during my visit. Actually, I felt an appreciation of the initiative of the president [to amend Article 76 of the constitution]. President Bush asked me to convey his appreciation for this step."

parent page (26 May - 1 June 2005, issue #744)