Abbas to Mubarak: Restrain Israel
PA chairman and Egyptian president meet in Cairo, following days of heated violence between Israel and the Palestinians
Abbas is also set to meet with senior Egyptian officials later in the day.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, who accompanied Abbas on his trip, confirmed in an interview with reporters that Israeli officials had postponed a meeting between Sharon and Abbas set for Sunday.
Abbas came to Egypt to request Mubarak's assistance, following days of escalated violence between Israel and Palestinian groups.
Both leaders discussed the current situation and according to Palestinian sources, agreed to continue dialogue with the Palestinian factions in a bid to return the calm and stabilize the situation.
Abbas and Mubarak also discussed the Rafah border crossing and dialogue between the PA, Israel, Egypt and the international Quartet to reopen the crossing.
'PA satisfied with Egypt's security steps in Gaza'
In addition, Abbas requested Egypt boost its security activities in the Gaza Strip, and increase its negotiating efforts with the Palestinian factions to bring about calm.
He added that the PA is satisfied with Egypt's security measures in Gaza.
In response, Mubarak promised to provide the Palestinians with any assistance needed in order to stabilize the situation.
Egyptian sources added that Egypt has taken great efforts over recent days to persuade the Palestinian organizations, including Hamas, to announce a ceasefire and halt all armed activities from the Gaza Strip.
Abbas also informed the Egyptian president of future security steps the PA plans to take, in order to put an end to the security anarchy in the Palestinian territories.
Palestinian sources told Ynet that re-determining the authority of the PA's Supreme National Security Council will assist in halting the deterioration of the security situation.
Abbas widens council authority
Abbas decided Tuesday to reassemble his Palestinian security council. The council deals with security issues and coordinates security activities between the PA and regional and international factors.
He provided the council with authority to appoint senior commanders and determine security plans.
Palestinian sources said the new decision will weaken Internal Minister Nasser Yousef to some extent. Several parliament members have demanded his dismissal and have even threatened to bring down Qureia's government should he not be fired.
