Syrian FM returns home
Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and members of the accompanying delegation returned to Damascus on Tuesday after taking part in the second round of Syrian - Israeli peace negotiations, which started on January 3, 2000 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

During the negotiations, al-Sharaa held six meetings with US President Bill Clinton and five meetings with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

The US president had followed up no these talks step-by-step and was briefed on the works of the four Israeli- Syrian committees. President Clinton also presented to both the Israeli and Syrian sides a working document which dealt with points of agreement and difference between Syria and Israel.

It is expected that the two parties will study this document and consult their governments in preparation for the third round of talks due to be held on January 19th, 2000.

SANA's reporter said the talks were hard and complicated as a result of obstacles created by the Israeli side. He continued that although that this round of talks did not materialize the required progress in the work of the border demarcation committee, the performance of the Syrian delegation was remarkable and clear toward defending the higher national interests.

Moreover, sources close to the Syrian delegation stressed that Syria will not sign an agreement with Israel without complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan to the June 4, 1967 border lines.

Previous Stories:
  On the tripartite meeting in Shepherdstown   (1/11/2000)
  Al-Sharaa exchanges views with Albright before heading home   (1/11/2000)
  An openness in the Syrian media   (1/10/2000)

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