Barak, who took over as the Prime Minister three days ago, travelled to Alexandria, the first of his string of intensive diplomatic activities, to hold talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on reviving the peace process.

Barak said he was determined to turn every stone without risking Israel's security and do whatever he could to resume negotiations with the Palestinians and Syrians.

Later, the Egyptian President speaking at a joint press conference said he was optimistic that Barak would try to revive the peace process. ``I have great hopes...Give the man some time...two months or something like that,'' Mubarak said.

The Israeli premier said, ``Whoever can support the peace process should do it...We are looking all around theworld, whoever can contribute should do it,'' he added.

Barak said serious efforts had to be made to put an end to 100 years of conflict with the Arabs. Besides the Palestinians, Israel also has to iron out differences with Syria and Lebanon. Syria wants the return of the Golan Heights captured by Israel before it resumes negotiations with Tel Aviv.

Israel also occupies an enclave in southern Lebanon to guard its northern border against attacks by the Hezbullahs.

When asked about the new Jewish settlements coming up in Arab areas, Barak said his government has new guidelines according to which no new settlements would be built nor the existing ones be dismantled. He added that the intention of his government was to push the peace process forward.

Mubarak said he had been optimistic when Benjamin Netanyahu had promised to respect all commitments involving the peace process. But, he noted, he had not known Netanyahu earlier. ``I know Barak since he was with Rabin, I know his ideas. I feel quiteoptimistic,'' he added.

Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab nations to have signed a peace treaty with Israel.

Barak is scheduled to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Sunday at the entrance of the Gaza Strip. He will meet King Abdullah of Jordan on Tuesday and travel to the US later in the week to meet President Bill Clinton.

Barak's predecessor Netanyahu had shoved the peace process into cold storage after he refused to implement the Wye land for peace deal blaming the Palestinains for security violations.