Al-Sharaa confers with EU Middle East peace process envoy
Syria-European Union, Politics, 7/14/1999

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Tuesday received the European Union's Middle East peace process envoy, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and members of the accompanying delegation. Talks dealt with developments in the region, the European role in the Middle East peace process and Syrian - European relations and the importance of developing them in all fields.

Following his meeting with al-Sharaa, in statements to reporters, Moratinos said that his talks with the Syrian FM dealt with the Middle East peace process and means of resuming it. "I have found a lot of basics that make us optimistic, and we can see improvements within the few coming weeks so as talks to be resumed on the Syrian track."

Replying to a question on why he did not yet meet with new Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, the EU envoy said: "The new Israeli prime minister has given positive signals, and he has already formed his government. I found it useful to visit Syria first in preparation for the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union due to be held on July between 15 and 19 and to become acquainted with the Syrian stand. And next week, I will hold talks with the Israeli side."

On the atmosphere he found in Damascus, the EU Middle East envoy said the atmosphere in Syria is "promising."

He added, "Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa has the hope that negotiations will be resumed and that the Middle East peace will be restarted very soon."

Moratinos was asked whether there are other mediations. He replied, "I do not think so. The US, Russia and other sides concerned are making efforts to facilitate the matter and they have what can be offered."

Answering another question on revitalizing talks on all tracks, Moratinos said, "This is the proposal. We are trying to revive the spirit of Madrid and restart all tracks in order to achieve comprehensive peace in the region."

Previous Stories:
  Conclusion of the International Alliance for Arab - Israeli Peace   (7/7/1999)
  Moussa convenes with European peace envoy   (7/7/1999)
  No Syrian-Israeli negotiations have taken place, Bishara says   (7/1/1999)

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