Egypt intelligence chief to visit Israel, Palestinian territories

A senior Palestinian official revealed on Sunday that Egypt's intelligence chief Omer Suleiman is to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories soon.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said, "Suleiman's visit is part of Egypt's efforts to push forward the implementation of the agreements of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit," but he did not reveal the specific date of the visit. Palestinian and Israeli leaders declared a mutual ceasefire at the Feb. 8 summit. Suleiman is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas separately, said the official.

He also said the Israeli settlement activities and the deployment of 750 Egyptian police on the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel will be tackled during Suleiman's meeting with Sharon.

In addition, Egyptian diplomatic sources said Suleiman is intending to visit the United States this month without specifying whether the visit to Washington will come before or after his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.