Sami Nair: Europe supports the march of modernization and democracy in Syria
Syria-European Union, Politics, 6/12/2003

In his meeting with Correspondents of Syrian, Arab and foreign media accredited in Damascus yesterday, in conclusion of a four-day visit for a European Parliamentary delegation, Sami Nair, in charge of relations with the Middle east and the Arab Gulf States at the European parliament, said during the delegation's visit to Syria we Exchanged view points "with senior Syrian officials including the speaker of the Syrian Parliament, the prime minister, Syrian parliamentarians, the foreign minister, and the ministers of industry and health."

He added that the delegation also met with the Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and during the meeting which was attended by the head of the delegation of the European Commission in Damascus Frank Hesske discussions dealt with the situations in Iraq and the Middle East peace process.

He added that talks during the meeting with the Prime Minister dealt with relations of cooperation between Syria and the European Union, the means of enhancing them in the parliamentary, economic, trade and cultural fields and with the signing of the Syrian-European partnership.

Talks also dealt with the latest developments in the region particularly in Palestine and in Iraq and the important role of the European Union in reviving the peace process to achieve just and comprehensive peace.

The prime minister reviewed the prospects of the developments and modernization process that Syria is witnessing in various fields. For his part, Nair expressed appreciation over these developments. Nair indicated that all these visits which were held at highest levels with Syrian officials became a reality and possible with the support Ambassador Hesske.

Nair said he can put the results of his discussions together with the accompanying delegation into four main points. Meetings with Syrian officials and the business people at the Syrian- European Business center SEBC about the Syrian- EU Association agreement, noting that there is an understanding to that there is a political decision in Syria to sign the agreements, noting that there are certain impediments facing the finalizing of the agreements.

He added that discussions also dealt with modernizing the economy, administrative and legal structure in the country, and that in this regard the Syrian side stressed that there is the will to renovate and introduce reforms at all levels in the interests of Syria.

He added concerning the issue of Iraq, there European and the Syrian sides have unanimously agreed concerns over the situations in the post - war Iraq with the state of chaos and unrest there.

He indicated that the position of the European Parliament concerning Iraq before the war to that any action should be made in conformity of UN resolutions and that more time should have be given for completing the inspection process for mass destruction weapons before starting the war.

He added that after the war, no decision is taken yet. A situation which reflects the political division in the European parliament concerning post- war Iraq.

He indicated, however, that the European Parliament unanimously agreed on the need that Iraq should attain legitimacy, sovereignty and stability, noting this will be in the interests of Iraq and its neighbors including Syria.

The fourth point which was discussed during the visit, Nair added, was on the Middle east especially the Roadmap which was adopted by the Quartet and the two summits of Sharm esh Sheikh and al-Aqaba.

He explained that the European parliament is trying to take a united position to that effect on the ground that it is convinced that the basic solution is to reach peace, through the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, honoring the rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring security for Israel as well as a durable and lasting peace in the region.

Nair added "We had almost identical views with the Syrians on these issues." Replying to a question on ruling out the Quartet from the two summits of Sharm esh Sheikh and al-Aqaba on the roadmap, Nair denounced excluding the Quartet from the two said summits on the Roadmap. However, he indicated, peace is necessary and to be effective it should include all partners.

He added that Europe is not only a financing side and a supplier, rather of a political weight.

On a meeting on a dialogue of religions held in Maloula, in Syria, Nair said that the European parliamentary delegation met with Syrian civil societies in Maloula and with spiritual figures and clergies especially Muslims and discussions dealt with Islam and democracy, and human rights among other related issues, noting that there were convergence of views between the two sides. He explained that the idea was to exchange thoughts rather than clashing and confronting, a diversity based continuously reciprocated dialogue.

Replying to a question concerning Europe role in the Middle east peace process, Nair said that Europe has been an integration role of the peace process in the Middle East. He added that Europe encourages as well as calls for peace through her own available means. He in particular indicated Europe role in the construction of the occupied Palestinian territories and financing the Palestinians. He reiterated Europe's clear position for a viable Palestinian state established.

He said Europe does not see its role in the Middle East to be just economic, rather to play a great political role and to have the two roles played altogether at various levels in the Middle East.

Highlighting the issue of the Syrian- EU partnership, Nair said signing the Association Agreement will enable Syria to continue its developments.

For taking part in the re-construction of post- war Iraq, Nair questioned the use of participating in the process of constructing post- war Iraq as the country is overwhelmed by a state of unrest.

He indicated that Europe voted for the UN resolution 1483 providing for establishing legitimacy and permitting the Iraqis to live in a democratic Iraq.

He said "we had a unanimous agreement with the Syrian side that the situation is very annoying in Iraq," noting that Europe wants to play a greater role in Iraq. A role that serves Iraq and the Iraqi people.

Replying to another question on President Bush's initiative for the American- Mediterranean partnership, Nair said that this idea of partnership is great when it is built on honoring justice and the international laws. But should it be similar to the American partnership in Iraq "I will not welcome it.." He added that the European parliamentary delegations held frank, open and constructive dialogues in Syria, noting that they were all positive. He stressed support for the march of modernization and Democracy in Syria, noting that modernization can be attained by building "rule of law, freedom for citizens and equality among themselves."

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