CAIRO - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Monday the UN Security Council had revealed its impotence in its response to Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, and again called for an immediate ceasefire.In an address to the nation, Mubarak said the deadlock between Israel and the Palestinians was the core of the problem and so there was an urgent need to revive peace talks. Mubarak said: “Egypt expresses its regret and annoyance at the failure to reach an immediate ceasefire... The Security Council has failed to deal rapidly and effectively with the Israeli aggression and to fulfil its responsibility for international peace and security.”
“This foot-dragging and impotence reflect the fundamental flaws in the joint defence system which the United Nations represents,” the Egyptian president added.
Mubarak on Monday sent Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit to Saudi Arabia to discuss the crisis. Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia -- three of the Arab governments most friendly toward the United States -- face outrage and protest at home against IsraelÂ’s conduct, pushing them to try to take a tougher line with Washington.