Syrian FM meets with Spanish counterpart

Spain has criticized the Israeli settlement policy which ignores the principles of a just and comprehensive peace, Madrid terms of reference and the land-for-peace formula.

Following his meeting on Tuesday in Madrid with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara who was on his way to Cuba to take part in the meetings of the Group 77 Summit, AFP quoted Spanish Foreign Minister Abel Matutes as saying to reporters, "We announce our regret over the Israeli government's decision to resume settlement activities in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," asserting that this issue makes the realization of peace in the region extremely difficult.

The Spanish foreign minister asserted that an Israeli unilateral withdrawal from south Lebanon will be coupled with danger unless such a withdrawal will be carried out as part of an agreement among sides concerned.