Abbas to visit Cairo on Wednesday

President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian president Muhammad Mursi, the PA ambassador to Egypt said. Barakat al-Farra told Ma'an that the "important meeting" will discuss bilateral issues, and will focus on Jerusalem and Israeli violations at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound. The two leaders will also discuss developments surrounding the peace process, the Arab League's recent visit to Washington, and Palestinian reconciliation, al-Farra added. Tensions have been high around the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem over the past week, as Israel has limited access to Palestinian worshipers while allowing Israelis to tour the compound under armed guard. Israeli forces also temporarily detained the grand mufti of Jerusalem, with Abbas calling the detention "an audacious challenge to freedom of worship." Print