SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, May 21 (UPI) -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas Saturday downplayed the effects of the recent Palestinian-Israeli violence in the Gaza Strip might have on his U.S. visit.
Abbas told reporters after meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh that the effects of violence on his visit to the United States were "weak."
He added, "Matters are now being controlled and have no negative effect on my upcoming visit to Washington at the end of the month."
Clashes continued between the Palestinian Hamas movement and Israeli forces in recent days, threatening to torpedo the truce between the two sides.
Abbas also said his visit to Egypt was to brief Mubarak on the "political and non-political agenda" to be discussed with the American administration.
He added the agenda included a basic demand for Washington to provide political support in implementing the peace "road map," as well as supporting the Palestinian economy.
