Eastwood praises Syria's strategic choice of peace
Syria-UK, Politics, 7/23/1998

The British ambassador in Damascus, Basil Eastwood, praised Syria's choice of peace as a strategic option under the current conditions the Middle East peace is undergoing.

Eastwood expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with Syria in order to reach peace.

In a speech he delivered in the Syrian coastal city of Lattakia at the conclusion of the visit made by the two British war ships, Marlboro and Fort Victoria, the UK ambassador said this visit indicates a political symbol of the new relations between Syria and Britain and evidence of the determination of the two governments to build and expand these relations.

These new relations, he added, have been built on similar views between the European Union and Syria on the Middle East peace process: "Even if there are disputes over the tactics, we agree 100% over principles."

He, in this respect, noted that Britain formulated UN resolution 242 which for the first time embodied the land for peace formula. He added, "I avail myself of this opportunity to hail the peace strategic option advocated by Syria." He went on that under the British presidency of the European Union, Syria and the EU started official negotiations on the "very important partnership associations."

He said the visit of the two British ships to the port of Lattakia was very successful. It constituted a strong evidence of strengthened cooperation between the two countries, noting that the visit marked the beginning of rebuilding military cooperation between Syrian armed forces and the British royal forces. He hoped that similar visits by British ships will be made to Syria and to increase cooperation in other areas. "There are lot of things to be done," the ambassador added.

The two British ships left Lattakia port on Wednesday following an official visit which lasted for several days.

Previous Stories:
  Summit coming between Syrian, Lebanese presidents   (7/22/1998)
  UK determined to build solid relations with Syria   (7/10/1998)
  Two British ships visit Syria for the first time since 1948   (7/2/1998)

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