Albright meets today with Bashar al-Assad
Syria-USA, Politics, 6/13/2000

The US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has stated that the death of President Hafez al-Assad whom she described as " a historical figure" should not obstruct the urgent need to the attempt of all sides concerned to achieve a just and comprehensive peace or impede the US readiness to work with sides concerned to achieve this objective.

Before she had left Washington on her way to Damascus to represent her government at the funeral of the later president, Albright stressed that the door is still open before resuming negotiations on the Syrian track.

She reiterated commitment to work with the Syrian leadership, adding that preparations are made to convene a meeting between her and Bashar al-Assad during her presence in Damascus.

Albright noted that the region has witnessed and is still witnessing important events and developments, including the death of the late President Hafez al-Assad, who played a fundamental role in the Middle East along three decades.

Albright said that despite that the negotiations of the Syrian track has not reached optimum peace, however it resulted in the emergence of " certain positive indicators." She added she had stressed to her Syrian counterpart Farouk al-Shara during their recent meeting in Cairo that the door is still open and "we have to continue exploring the possibilities ( of reaching peace )."

Albright said " I think it is important that Dr. Bashar al-Assad will assume his authority and the transfer process of authority to continue."

She stressed she will repeat these confirmation in Damascus. She said she does not carry with her any new ideas to revive the Syrian track at the meantime because time is not suitable for that now.

Albright also repeated what was stated by other American officials that the authority transfer to Bashar al-Assad is proceeding calmly and peacefully.

Previous Stories:
  Iran, Cuba, mourn President al-Assad, Iran praises the hero of resistance   (6/12/2000)
  Syria mourns her president   (6/12/2000)
  Leaders to take part in al-Assad's funeral   (6/12/2000)
  President Clinton speaks on the telephone with Bashar al-Assad   (6/12/2000)
  Baath Party 9th regional congress to be convened at set time   (6/12/2000)
  Egypt backs Syrian stance   (6/10/2000)

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