Ban Ki-moon arrives in Cairo at start of Mideast tour

CAIRO - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Cairo Wednesday at the start of a Middle East tour to seek an end to Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Ban was expected to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday to discuss Cairo’s initiative for a ceasefire in the current conflict.

Ban was also due to meet Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa, sources familiar with his trip said.

Ban was then scheduled to travel to Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon and Kuwait.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos was due to arrive in Cairo from Damascus for the second time in a week.

Israel accuses Spain of being biased in the conflict and of siding with the Palestinians.