Prodi: We expect to finalize the Association Agreement this summer
Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/13/2001

In a press conference he held at the Damascus Tishreen Palace on Sunday, the President of the European Commission Romano Rodi expressed thanks to President Bashar al-Assad for his invitation to visit Syria . Thanks go also to the Syrian government and people. He added ³whenever I come to Syria I feel at home. This is not rhetoric."

He added that Damascus visit is his last stop in the region after his visit to Amman and Beirut noting that two main issues are of concern during this visit: 1. strong demand for an active European role in the economic stability in the region; 2. And the fact that the Middle East peace process is in a cross ­ road with the coming of the new prime minister in Israel.

He said that the European Union stands ready to play a role.

Highlighting his visit to Syria, Prodi said in particular in Damascus I have several meetings with President al-Assad and with the Syrian officials. He expressed full support for the Syrian people to modernize the economy and the administration. He said ³ our will is to strengthen our co-operation with the Syrians,² adding that we expect to finalize the Association Agreement by Summer.. He noted that President Bashar al-Assad accepted his invitation to visit the headquarters of the European Union.

Replying to a question on the Syrian economic reforms Prodi said that the Association Agreement between Syria and the EU can be reached within few months and that during his visit to Damascus he signed with the Syrian partners four agreements at a cost of 38 million EUROS. He added there is a possibility to start the Association Agreement noting that there is any interference in the Syrian plans of reforms and the autonomy in the Syrian government should be respected and the Syrian government will decide on that.

On the EU assessment on the election of Ariel Sharon as a prime minister in Israel, Prodi said "we repeat formally that we have to judge the action of this new Israeli government and we want not to take decision that will affect the realization of a fair and durable peace." Replying to another question on whether the expansion of the EU eastward will affect its relations with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean region, Mr. Prodi said that the expansion of the EU can give some worry and this is why " because of such worries it is urgent to make reforms and it is time now to decide the policy is to take an active role in the part of the South of the Mediterranean, where we need strong partners as we seek the unification of Europe. " He added " We want you ( Syria, Morocco. Tunisia` etc ) to be the strong partners in order to maintain a dialogue between equals." But he indicated that " the fears are correct" On the political role played by the EU in the Arab ­Israeli conflict, Prodi noted the EU "political role from Sharm el-Sheikh to Taba², noting that this very role will be increased later.

As for the EU avoiding strong political decisions concerning the Arab- Israeli struggle, Prodi said it is true in many cases that the EU has not a unanimous position towards a certain issue and the different positions of the EU member states to this effect, as it is difficult to shape a common policy.

Previous Stories:
  At invitation of President al-Assad Prodi arrives today in Damascus   (2/9/2001)
  Brudi speaks on the phone with President al-Assad   (1/10/2001)
  Al-Assad discusses with Moratinos efforts to revive the ME peace   (9/28/2000)

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