Belgian foreign minister arrives in Damascus
Syria-Belgium, Politics, 4/25/2001

Belgian foreign minister Louise Michael arrived in Damascus on Tuesday. At the airport he was welcomed by the deputy foreign minister Walid al-Muaallim, high ranking foreign ministry officials and the Belgian ambassador in Damascus.

In an arrival statement to SANA's correspondent, the Belgian minister said that the importance of his visit to the region lies to be closely acquainted with conditions and problems and to know about the positions of sides concerned to the peace process, especially the view point of President Bashar al-Assad.

Michael called on all sides concerned in the region to reduce tension and acts of violence and to resort to dialogue with the aim to reach a peaceful settlement through ensuring the existence of the good will.

As for the European role in the region, the Belgian minister stressed that it is necessary to maintain a closer contact between the European Union and the US as well as with sides concerned, noting that the US role seems to be of less control on the problems the region is facing. A matter which avails the European Union to play a greater role through contacting sides concerned.

Michael stressed the readiness of the European Union to provide aid and support with the aim of reaching a peaceful settlement. He explained that it will be useful that the EU to play a greater role in the negotiations because this creates at certain sides the feeling that the peace process mechanism has become more balanced.

Earlier in the day, Michael expressed his denunciation over the destruction made by the Israeli occupation forces in Khan Younis camp in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Following his visit to a camp in Khan Younis to the south of Gaza which was exposed to the Israeli bombardment by the Israeli army, Michael said the practices carried out by Israel against the Palestinians are unacceptable and that the EU will seek to revive the suspended Palestinian- Israeli negotiations.

The Israeli forces on April 10th broke into Khan Younis camp and this measure resulted in killing two Palestinians and wounding 40.

Previous Stories:
  On President al-Assad's visit to Algeria   (4/24/2001)
  Beshara denies connection between his current visit to Damascus, Arafat's visit   (4/24/2001)
  On Arafat's visit to Syria   (4/24/2001)

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