Al-Assad, Brazilian peer determined to enhance Arab - Latin relations
Syria-USA, Politics, 12/5/2003

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a meeting on Thursday at Tishrin Palace where they continue their discussions which began the day before.

The discussions concentrated on the mechanism of following up the implementation of the signed agreements and the proposed visions regarding the Summit of the Latin American States and the Arab States, as well as the proposed ideas regarding the expansion of the Security Council through granting permanent membership to the state of the South.

President Bashar al-Assad and his wife gave on Wednesday a dinner banquet in honor of the Brazilian President and his wife. Present at the banquet were the two Vice- Presidents, Premier, ministers and their wives and the official delegation accompanying da Silva.

President al-Assad said that the long distance between Syria and Brazil has never been an obstacle in establishing relations on all levels throughout one hundred years of history. These relations have developed in the framework of human interaction when a great number of Syrians found Brazil a new home for them. He added that Brazil welcomed them to live there, and provided them the means of good life. Syrians then became an active contributors in the economic and political life in Brazil.

Al-Assad said that throughout ages, the relations between Arabs and Brazilians have strengthened on the levels of culture and economy, where businessmen had exchanged the visits and expertise.

He added that the Arab region is witnessing a critical political situation, and it is becoming more dangerous day by day, due to the Israeli occupation of the Arab lands and its rejection of the requirements of just and comprehensive peace.

He added that "we here in Syria continuously expressed our wish and commitment to establish the aspired peace based on UN resolutions, Madrid "terms of reference," and the Israeli full withdrawal of the occupied Arab lands to the line of June 4th, 1967. Besides, all Arabs expressed their wish of peace through their initiative set off in Beirut Summit in 2002. But, this initiative, the President continued, was rejected by Israel and the answer of the Israeli government was to practice the policy of assassination, killing and destruction."

Concerning Iraq, President said that the Iraqi people live a very critical situation. So, it is necessary to take clear and fast steps to find suitable and integral solutions through enabling the Iraqis to run their own affairs, enjoying the complete sovereignty over their lands, and starting the reconstruction of Iraq.

He added that what Brazil has achieved in economic and industrial development is worth admiration. Brazilians have the right to be proud of their country, he said.

Al-Assad pointed out that "we aspire to exchange expertise through our joint meetings, to expand the dialogue and to encourage the scientific, economic and administrative work."

He concluded by saying that this visit will move the bilateral relations forward, and will enhance the joint coordination between the two countries, in order to strengthen the stances of the developing countries in their relations with the developed ones, and to back the just peoples' causes of liberation.

For his part, Brazilian President expressed pleasure over his visit to Syria which is the motherland for many Brazilians. He underlined that his visit to Syria and to the Middle East is an expression of Brazil's desire to establish strong relations with all parts of the world.

He described the Brazilian - Syrian relations as having unique human dimensions because there are more than two millions Brazilians of Syrian origin living today in Brazil.

He underlined that the important delegation of businessmen which is accompanying him has the desire to expand trade and economic exchange between the two countries.

He pointed out that he called on the businessmen who participated at the Brazilian - Syrian Businessmen Forum to focus on the economic and trade integration between the Arab region and Latin America.

He expressed confidence that Syria, which has a pivotal role in the region, will contribute initiatives that would lead to reconciliation among the peoples of the Middle East.

He expressed his country's support to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and warned against the continuation of occupation of the Palestinian territories and expanding the settlements which are rejected and unacceptable.

He added that people have firm right to practice sovereignty on their lands. Therefore, Brazil has used its vote at the UN in favor of the resolutions demanding the return of the Syrian Golan.

He said that Brazilians had expressed regret over Iraq's war, and see that solutions through diplomacy are always positive. Brazilians want for the UN and the Arab states to have greater roles in reconciliation efforts and rebuilding this country.

"These are the principles and work lines of Brazil in exercising its work, as of the next year, when it returns to the Security Council as a non- permanent member," he added.

Previous Stories:
  Al-Assad interview with New York Times: Syria's vision towards ME developments   (12/2/2003)
  Murphy's remarks on visit to Syria   (12/2/2003)
  Al-Assad confers with Murphy   (12/1/2003)

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