World at a glance

CAIRO: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, now trying to defuse a looming military conflict between Ankara and Damascus, on Saturday met Syrian foreign minister Faruq al-Shara amidst Turkey8217;s allegations that Kurdish rebels were operating from Syrian soil. 8220;We have expressed our sincere wish to find solutions to the problems,8221; Shara told mediapersons after meeting the Egyptian president here.

Meanwhile, Iranian foreign minister Kamal Kharrazi said his country would continue with its mediation efforts. 8220;All Islamic nations must work to find a negotiated solution to the crisis, because it can only benefit our enemies,8221; reports quoted him as saying.

Ankara piled up troops on its border with Syria this week, accusing its neighbour of supporting the Kurdistan Workers8217; Party PKK rebels active in southeast Turkey.