Syria will not attend Euro- Mediterranean conference; Israel cited
Syria-European Union, Politics, 4/20/2002

A Syrian official source at the foreign ministry said the following: On the occasion of convening the Euro- Mediterranean partnership conference in Valencia, Spain on April 22 and 23 and on the ground of Syria's care to deal positively with the European side, the Syrian foreign ministry had made several contacts with the presidency of the European Union and several Arab and European officials taking part in this conference, calling on them on the need of suspending Israel's participation in this meeting, in line with the recent decision taken by the European parliament to suspend the association agreement with Israel because of the mass annihilation operations in several Palestinian villages and towns especially in Jenin, Nablus, and Ramullah and its inhuman besiege of the Nativity church, besides the fatal destruction of the Palestinian camps.

Despite the protests of the world public opinion and the numerous warnings issued by international and humanitarian organizations like the UNHC, the Amnesty International, the ICRC and statements made by the personal envoy of the UN chief Terry Rod Larsen following his recent visit to Jenin camp. And because nothing has come from the European Union presidency to accepting this proposal in compliance with the sentiments of the Palestinians and the Arab people, Syria found out that it is her duty to inform the president of the European Union its inability to attend a meeting which is attended by a side which at any way is not concerned with any sort of constructive dialogue. A matter which makes this conference not only futile, rather can be considered by the Israeli government as a subjugation to its policy and a reward for its defiance to the will of the international community.

Previous Stories:
  Syria: due to Israeli participation, we boycott meetings of Euro-mediterranean industry ministers   (4/17/2002)
  Protesting Israeli aggression, Syria hesitates joining Euro- Mediterranean meeting   (4/16/2002)
  Syrian intellectuals call on Europe to shoulder its responsibilities   (3/12/2002)

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