Al-Assad, Schroeder discuss ME situations
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Monday discussed with the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder the escalating tension in the Middle East and ways to boost bilateral relations.
Talks dealt with the critical situation in the region as a result of the Israeli provocative acts in Jerusalem and the continued Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people.
The Syrian president said that Syria was one of the main contributors of launching the ME peace process on the ground of the international legitimacy resolutions and the land for peace formula.
He stressed that Syria is working seriously for reaching peace, adding that the aim of resuming peace talks should be the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region. A matter, he added, which needs the commitment of all parties concerned.
The German chancellor, who is on a regional tour that took him to Amman and Beirut, expressed appreciation for Syria's role in the region and its efforts for peace. he said: " This role was positive and essential and it is required now and in the future."
Earlier in the day the German Chancellor arrived in Damascus and was welcomed officially by the Syrian premier and high ranking officials concerned..
On Monday's night President al-Assad held a dinner banquet in honor of Schroeder and members of the accompanying delegation at al-Shaab palace in Damascus.
At the Banquet, President al-Assad and the German Chancellor exchanged two speeches. In his speech, president al-Assad expressed satisfaction over the Syrian- German relations in the past years. He also expressed Syria's desire to increase cooperation in different areas between the two countries. He stressed that the internal building process does not affect " our endeavor to achieve the just and comprehensive peace" calls for putting an end to aggression and the occupation of the Arab lands. It also necessitates the implementation of the international legitimacy resolutions which relate to israel's withdrawal from the Golan up to June 4, 1967 border lines, the completion of Israel's withdrawal from the Lebanese territories, the release of the Arab detainees from the Israeli jails and full recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state with Jerusalem as the capital as well as the right of the Palestinian refugees to return back to their homeland.
Explaining current changes in the country, Bashar al-Assad said: " we started in Syria a large scale program for renovation and modernization in all areas. Our programs includes the modernization of the administration and laws as well as adding to what has been achieved in the past years in the area of economic and social development and improving the living standards of citizens, as well as ensuring the job opportunities for young men.
He added that the historical ties between the Arab region and Europe as well as the common interests between them make the security of both regions affect each other and this also shows the importance of the role played by Europe in seeking a just solution on which the peace process in the region is based.
Chancellor Schroeder, for his part expressed pleasure over visiting Syria and with the settlement of some bilateral pending issues between the two countries. He also expressed his country's desire for improving and developing bilateral relations with Syria.
Talking about the situation in the Middle East, the German Chancellor said:" Germany and the European Union are looking forward to peace in the Middle East and the Mediterranean."
He commended the efforts made by President Bashar al-Assad in the region. He continued that reaching a lasting peace in the Middle east is not only important for the region but also for stability and prosperity in Europe.
He added that he wanted, through his visit to confirm that the peace full solution which is backed by Germany and Europe must be durable and based on the UN relevant resolutions.
On the other hand, Syrian German economic talks started on Monday. They were chaired by the prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro and Chancellor Schroeder.
Both sides reviewed bilateral relations, ways of encouraging Syrian exports to Germany, investments, joint projects and expanding educational and scientific co-operation between Syria and Germany. The two sides embarked on drafting a list for development projects that can be financed by loans and credit facilities. They also focused on projects for environment protection and drinking water.