Klima: Talks constructive, Israeli pullout from Golan imperative
Syria, Politics, 12/4/1997

In a predeparture press conference held at the Syrian Tichreen Palace Austrian Chancellor Klima said that his meeting with President Assad was constructive and useful.

Concerning the peace process Viktor Klima said it is important that Europe play an active coordinating role with other players in this area, especially the US, "We think the work of all players could solve this problem."

On the role Austria could play when it assumes EU presidency, Chancellor Klima said: "Austria is a part of Europe and a member of the European Union since 1995. Austria really believes that a state of peace in Europe will only be possible by this process of European unification.

"We support not only the common European market, not only the European economic union, but also the European social union. We are very proud, for example, that we have an employment chapter and we had a special summit for employment in Luxembourg two weeks ago. Because we believe in the so-called European moral of the social economy which could help develop Europe and we have to combine our strength to be competitive in the Euro competition.

"Combining our strength means that we coordinate and develop policy. That will help Europe assume more active roles in other parts of the world, and the Middle East is of course one of them."

On bilateral relations between Syria and Austria and Syria's partnership with the European Union, Klima said: "We agreed to nominate personal representatives to monitor the process of improving economic cooperation between Syria and Austria, as well as to monitor the process of exchange of experience, experts and also people from the scientific community, because in my person-to-person contact is very important.

Concerning Syrian - European cooperation Mr. Klima said: "I think it is very important to accept that Syria expects a balanced agreement, which means having benefit in a balanced way for both parties."

Previous Stories:
  Syrian - Austrian bilateral relations   (12/3/1997)
  Al-Assad welcomes European, Austrian roles   (12/2/1997)
  Austria, Jordan for peace efforts   (12/2/1997)

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