Al-Shara, Moratinos discuss Middle East peace efforts
Syria-European Union, Politics, 4/21/2000

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara yesterday received the European Union's special envoy for the Middle East peace process, Miguel Moratinos, and members of the accompanying delegation.

The deputy foreign minister Siba Naser attended the meeting.

Talks dealt with the status of the Middle East peace process on the Syrian track in light of the Geneva summit and international efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace on the grounds of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the land-for-peace formula.

Talks also dealt with the importance of implementing UN resolution 425 in total pullback of the Israeli occupation forces to the internationally recognized borders and to halt Israeli violations of Lebanon's airspace and regional waters.

Moratinos stressed that there is still a chance to resume the peace talks between Syria and Israel.

In statements to reporters following his meeting with Foreign Minister al-Shara, Moratinos states that the "road before the resumption of talks on the Syrian track is not wide enough, but I think that there is still a chance to resume these talks and we have to discuss means for resuming them and to have the road before these talks wider."

Moratinos stated that during his meetings with Syrian, American and Israeli officials he has felt a genuine desire to resume the negotiations, stating that although there are certain points which need clarification before the resumption, "I think there is a hope to resume the negotiations."

He indicated that his talks with al-Shara were successful and fruitful and that he conveyed the desire and commitment of the European Union to help the sides concerned reach a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Moratinos stressed that all efforts are needed in this phase to help Syria and Israel resume the negotiations and to work to eliminate the obstacles impeding the resumption of negotiations.

Previous Stories:
  Al-Shara meets with European peace envoy   (4/20/2000)
  Canadian premier: Al-Assad has a strong desire for peace   (4/19/2000)
  Levy accuses Syria of not being ready for peace   (4/18/2000)

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