Syrian minister addresses relations with Egypt, Turkey
Syria, Politics, 7/30/1998

Syrian Information Minister Dr. Muhammad Salman has stressed the strong ties linking Syria and Egypt and the importance of maintaining coordination between the two states so as to serve pan-Arab interests.

In statements to Arab and foreign reporters in Damascus, Salman said that the current conditions for convening the Arab summit have not fully developed as yet, when these conditions are suitable to hold the summit for Arab decision making all will support the convening of the summit.

On Syrian - Turkish relations and the campaign Syria has been currently exposed to, Salman said "We have full desire to strengthen the dialogue with Turkey. We do not intervene in the internal affairs of Turkey. And we have no interest in doing so. We are not part of the internal or the external problems Turkey faces with its neighbors." He commented that the interest of the Turkish people is based on having good relations with the Arabs and Muslims, alike.

As for the current US role in the Middle East peace process, Salman noted that the US has not carried out its initiative. " We are convinced that the US administration has lost its credibility as a result of not being able to carry out the commitments and pledges it took on board to set up a just and comprehensive peace in the region." The Syrian minister continued that Netanyahu continues his policy to eliminate the peace process. This is however, through his refusal to withdraw from Arab land, in expanding settlements, Judaizing Jerusalem, canceling the Oslo accord and making new conditions to implement the resolution 425.

Concerning Netanyahu's attempts to carry out a referendum to withdraw from the Syrian occupied Golan heights, the Syrian FM said "it is a new aggressive move just like all the other aggressive practices conducted by Netanyahu to challenge the international community, the international legitimacy resolutions and the Middle East peace process sponsors. As for the expected European role in the Middle East peace, Salman said "no one has suggested that the American role be replaced by a European one, the aim is to combine the international efforts to rescue the Middle East peace process from the impasse.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese premier confers with senior Syrian officials   (7/28/1998)
  No disputes between Syria, Egypt over US role   (7/27/1998)
  Syria: Knesset's decision considered an announcement of war   (7/25/1998)

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