Mubarak Calls for Greater European Involvement in Search for Mideast Peace and for a Dialogue Betwee

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt today called for greater European involvement in the search for Middle East peace and reiterated his wish for a dialogue between the United States and the Palestinians.

He was speaking at a brief airport conference after an overnight visit during which he had two hours of discussions with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which were described as “extremely friendly.”

Calling for a greater role by West European governments, Mubarak referred to their friendship with Israel and their contacts with the United States. He arrived here yesterday from the United States as part of his first international tour since succeeding President Anwar Sadat who was assassinated last October.

Reporters at the press conference detected no major divergencies between himself and his predecessor over Egypt’s foreign policy. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Camp David peace process and expressed confidence in Israel’s attitude as well. Asked what would happen over the Palestinian autonomy talks after Israel withdraws from Sinai April 25, he said that that date would not be a barrier to continuation of talks.

Mubarak also dismissed suggestions that he wanted Western Europe to exert “pressure” on the U.S. to hasten a solution of the Palestinian question. He only wanted Europe to promote greater understanding of this problem, he said before flying on to West Germany.

A notable absentee from the Thatcher-Mubarak talks was Lord Carrington, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, who is in the Far East. Lord Carrington is to visit Israel March 31 and April 1. It will be only the third official visit to Israel by a British Foreign Secretary Carrington is also to visit Syria and Jordan April 12-16.