CAIRO, June 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian National Security Adviser Jebril al-Rajoub said here on Sunday that it is important for the Palestinians to coordinate positions with Egypt before a regional tour by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice later this month.

    Rajoub told a press conference after meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit that Egyptian intelligence chiefOmar Suleiman was expected to visit Israel on June 15 and followed by Abul Gheit on June 19.

    The Egyptian leadership realizes the requirements of the current phase as regards the steps which should be taken by Israel to help stabilize the situation in the region, he added.

    Rajoub discussed the Palestinian vision and strategy to face regional challenges during his meetings with Abul Gheit, Suleiman and Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

    He said Israel must recognize the Palestinians as a partner if it wanted security cooperation for the planned withdrawal from Gaza scheduled for mid-August, adding that all Palestinian political parties opted for dialogue and a political solution to the conflict.

    Israel plans to withdraw from all 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and four out of 120 in the West Bank to disengage from violence with the Palestinians.

    Egypt has long played a mediating role between the Israelis andthe Palestinians, and brokered deals between the Palestinians themselves.

    Abul Gheit said Saturday that Rice is due to visit Cairo on June 20 as part of a regional tour, which would also take her to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

    He said, "The visit will focus on peace efforts related to the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip which is currently being prepared and will begin on Aug. 17." Enditem