President of the European Commission meets President Assad
Syria, International, 2/12/1998

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Wednesday received the president of the European Commission, Jacques Santer, and his accompanying delegation.

Santer briefed the Syrian President on the purpose of the EU delegation's current tour in the region. He said that Europe wishes to undertake an active role, which complements the role played by the other parties concerned with the peace process. Assad expressed satisfaction with the European role as it has recently developed, adding that Europe can play a key role in the peace process at this critical time.

Assad noted the obstacles placed by Israel before the peace process. "Syria is committed to the peace process, the Madrid terms of reference and the UN resolutions," the President commented.

Later Syrian Premier Mahmoud al-Zou'bi and Santer held talks that dealt with relations between Syria and the EU. Earlier in the day Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa met with Santer on developments in and prospects for the region, the future of Syrian - EU relations, and Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

Upon arriving in Damascus for a two-day visit to Syria, Santer said his visit comes at a critical and important moment as a result of the political developments in the region, noting that this visit is an evidence of the desire for strong bilateral relations between the European Union and Syria. "I am very pleased because we will start partnership negotiations between Syria and the European Union shortly."

Santer indicated that the EU is an important partner to Syria, adding that Syria's imports from Europe constitute 35%, whereas Syria's exports to European states are 50%. Through the partnership accord on which we will negotiate and sign, these relations will be consolidated, thereby Syria would be able to reach the world's largest market, namely the European market of 370 million peoples, and "our" political relations will be consolidated.

Santer expressed concern over the stalemated peace process in the Middle East, adding, "We are worried because of the absence of progress which might become a virus which spreads in all attempts seeking to achieve economic prosperity, security and stability in the region."

For his part, Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Sharaa' pined great hopes on Santer's visit, especially in the fields of concern to the European-Syrian partnership and to the Euro-Mediterranean partnership as well in order to enhance financial and economic ties that Santer described later as good.

Previous Stories:
  European chief representative in Beirut   (2/12/1998)
  Jordan's King, Crown Prince receive European Comission, comment on Iraq   (2/11/1998)
  Santer arrives Damascus tomorrow   (2/10/1998)

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