Mubarak urges Europe to back US-led peace efforts

             Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is calling on Europe to throw its weight behind the US-led efforts to secure a peace agreement between the Palestinians and Israel. Mubarak, on his way to Washington for the launching of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, discussed the matter in on Monday with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Said Mubarak: The American Administration needs strong backing from the European Union for the peace process to continue. Sarkozy said Europe planned to further promote the push for peace at a Euro-Mediterranean summit planned for November 20th in Barcelona, where key leaders from the Middle East are expected to be present. In the words of the French president: I believe the US role is very important, but it cannot be the only one. (19,00)