BERLIN: President Hosni Mubarak arrived in Berlin on Friday for talks with German leaders on issues including the Israeli-Paliestinian conflict and moves toward democracy in the Middle East.
German President Horst Koehler greeted Mubarak at his Berlin palace. Mubarak meets Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday.
Islamic militant group Hamas swept the Jan. 25 parliamentary election. German officials have said they expect Mubarak to address the Palestinian situation.
Germany, like other European governments, is insisting that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce violence and support existing agreements under the international road map for peace in the region.
The Egyptian leader arrives from talks with Italian leaders in Rome on issues including Iran s disputed nuclear program. He is also expected to visit Austria, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
The EU on Friday threatened to cut off aid to a Hamas-led Palestinian government unless it seeks peace by peaceful means. AP
