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SMEC Dennis Ross: I just had a chance to meet with President Mubarak. I think we had a good discussion of the current situation of the peace process. I had a chance to go over some of the meetings that I've been having with Prime Minister Barak and also with Chairman Arafat. I've made it clear that we are facing certain difficulties but I do see a desire and determination on each side to find ways to overcome those difficulties. I had a chance to discuss with President Mubarak how the United States and Egypt can work together to overcome the difficulties because we share the same objectives. Question: Mr. Dennis Ross, can you please comment on the message regarding President Mubarak's recent visit to Lebanon. SMEC Dennis Ross: Well, let me say the following. First, the United States and Egypt are partners in the pursuit of peace. The peace process in the Middle East depends upon that partnership and as I've just seen in the meeting I've just had, our cooperation is very important and it will continue as we work to overcome differences. We are focused on that partnership on how to move forward on the process as a whole. And I think that's where we need to keep our eyes focused. As relates to Hezbollah, clearly, Hezbollah has engaged in provocative behavior. Our focus is on getting the April Understanding to be one that is lived up to by all parties. Question: (Inaudible) Can you comment on the recent delay in the peace process and who is responsible. SMEC Dennis Ross: My assessment at this point is that we are facing certain difficulties. And I think the focus ought to be on finding the best ways to overcome those difficulties. I have been dealing with both sides, at this point, our role is to work with both sides and try to overcome the difficulties. I came to Egypt to share my impressions and to hear from President Mubarak his thoughts on how best to overcome the difficulties. And I think the task at hand is to create a climate in which we not only solve the remaining issues that were left over from the interim agreement in the interim period, but also to focus on how we're going to overcome the problems related to permanent status and resolve the issues-all the issues of permanent status by September. That has to be our overriding objective and that is in fact, the manner in which we are working. Question: Did you meet with Barak yesterday? SMEC Dennis Ross: It was a chance to speak with the Prime Minister and go through all the issues, to go through concerns that he has, but also concerns that the Palestinians have, to talk about the best ways to address those concerns on each side. What I feel, based on the discussions that I've had with both Prime Minister Barak and with Chairman Arafat, is that there's a very strong desire on the part of both--not simply to find a way forward but to reach an agreement and they recognize how important it is to reach an agreement by September. One more question, I've got to go. Question: (Inaudible) Mr. Ross...atmosphere of tension in Lebanon. Department of State Spokesman's comment was not very helpful. SMEC Dennis Ross: I think there's no question that what we want to do is to create a climate where things can calm down, where we diffuse tension. We don't need rhetoric from anybody that inflames the situation. Thank you. [end of text]
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