CAIRO: President Mubarak is scheduled to host Jordanian King Abdallah today in Alexandria to discuss the latest developments in the region amidst a slew of rumors concerning the president’s health.
Today’s meeting should quash the rumors once and for all if it takes place. Despite refutations from the state-run press and the first lady herself, Mubarak has not yet made an appearance since claims that his health was deteriorating spread. Some rumors even went as far as saying he has passed away.
“Mubarak’s appearance is the most important aspect of this meeting, Emad Gad from Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies said, “if the meeting takes place, then it will put the rumors to bed. If the meeting is cancelled, then it will confirm the rumors.
Additionally, it has been reported that Mubarak will also host Quartet Envoy Tony Blair, who is in the middle of a two-week tour of the region. Rounding off a busy day, Mubarak is also due to meet Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema, who is also holding talks with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The meeting would cover the peace process and preparations for the upcoming American-led peace conference in November. Although state-run Al Ahram said that the meetings would be held in Cairo, other reports claim Mubarak will host the Jordanian king in his Borg Al Arab residence in Alexandria, where he is currently staying.
Concerning the flurry of meetings, Gad said, “There will be no breakthrough or any serious results from these meetings. Mubarak’s meetings with Abdallah are numerous and consistent, and this is only Blair’s second visit to the region. He is still learning as he said.
“The status of Mubarak, he added, “is the most important thing.
Blair’s second visit to the region in his new capacity as the Quartet’s envoy will encompass numerous Arab countries as well as meetings with the Israelis and Palestinians.
His spokesman Mathew Doyle told the press ahead of the visit, which kicked off on Sunday, that “during the trip Mr Blair will have detailed discussions with Israelis and Palestinians on a range of economic and security issues. He will then use the New York discussions at the end of the month to set out his initial thinking, referring to the Quartet meeting taking place in the US then.
Mubarak is also due to host Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in the Lebanese crisis ahead of their presidential elections in November.
