Russian FM conveys message to President al-Assad from Yeltsin
Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/26/1999

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Saturday received at al-Shaab Damascus Presidential Palace Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and members of his accompanying delegation. Present at the meeting were the Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and the Russian ambassador in Damascus, SANA reported.

The Russian minister conveyed to the president a message from Russian President Boris Yeltsin "related to the development of bilateral relations." Talks dealt with a number of international and regional matters of concern to both sides, especially the Middle East peace process and the situation in the Balkans.

Bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.

In an arrival statement, earlier in the day, the Russian FM told SANA's correspondent: "We in Russia attach a special importance to Syria's attitudes towards Arab and international affairs and to its distinguished role in the Middle East. All such matters are a substantial question on which views will be exchanged with President al-Assad."

Ivanov added, "In its capacity as a peace cosponsor, Russia sides with the continuation of the Middle East peace process on all tracks." He stressed that the establishment of a lasting and durable peace in the Middle East is not possible without Syria.

The Russian FM continued: "It is necessary that the Middle East peace process be pushed forward on all tracks, including Syria's, that negotiations are resumed from the point where the peace process had stopped at and are based on UN Security Council resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, the land-for-peace formula and the return of the Golan Heights to Syria."

Replying to a question about President Hafez al-Assad's scheduled visit to Russia, Ivanov noted: " We in Russia have great respect for President al-Assad, and he (President al-Assad) is welcome any time he wants."

The Russian FM commended the development of Syrian-Russian bilateral relations, reasserting that decisions connected with bilateral relations are made by both sides' agreement and that there are no obstacles hindering the growth of these ties. He also asserted that all issues are usually settled in a climate of friendship, cordiality and mutual confidence.

For his part, the Syrian FM said: "I am satisfied with the Russian stand which was expressed by Mr. Ivanov now and during his Middle East tour, especially the stand pertinent to the Middle East peace process and to the resumption of talks from the point where they were broken off."

Previous Stories:
  Sharon, Netanyahu deny Russian mediation with Syria   (4/14/1999)
  The reasons for President al-Assad's postponed visit to Russia   (4/14/1999)
  On postponing President al-Assad's visit to Russia   (4/13/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search