On Arafat's visit to Damascus
Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/18/2001

The al-Watan al-Arabi magazine issued on Friday in its recent issue said quoting well-informed Arab diplomatic sources that the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has recently asked for carrying out a quick visit to Damascus but the Syrian refused Arafat's request and told him they welcome a visit he holds to Damascus but under the condition that this visit will be an actual work visit and conclude certain results to have been agreed upon for anticipation.

The sources said that the Syrian officials told Arafat they are committed to two main principles. The first is that Arafat will agree with them ( by writing ) and definitely on certain Arab and Palestinian objectives and principles that he will not deviate in any of the negotiations or any agreement he will conclude with the Israeli government in case these negotiations will be resumed in any phase. The main of these principles are not to violate the return back right of the Palestinian refugees and persistence to maintain a full Israeli withdrawal until June 4, 1967 border lines, and from the West Bank and Gaza and to eliminate the Israeli settlements and establish an independent Palestinian state.

The sources added that the second demand the Syrians want is that Arafat to vow ( officially and in writing ) to maintain close co-ordination and consultation with the Syrian leadership in the coming phase on matters relating to the course of events in the West Bank and Gaza.

The sources stressed that if Arafat will agree these two main demands Damascus's doors will be open for him quickly and he will be received officially by President Bashar al-Assad and high ranking Syrian officials and a new page will be actually opened with him and with the Palestinian leadership.

The sources also stressed that contacts have been continuous between the Syrian and Palestinian sides to this effect.

Previous Stories:
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