Italian FM's press conference in Damascus

Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, has stressed the necessity of realizing just and comprehensive peace which realize security, stability and economic development in the region.

In a press conference in Damascus on Monday, Frattini spoke of Italy's role, during its presidency of the European Union starting July 1, in deepening knowledge of the region issues.

He pointed out that his country is working, through the joint research and serious studies which must be established between Syria and Italy, for finding a practical mechanism for realizing just and comprehensive peace.

Frattini highly lauded the standing Syrian-Italian relations pointing out that his talks with President Bashar Al-Assad dealt with issues of the region.

Earlier in the day, President Bashar Al-Assad received Frattini and an accompanying delegation.

Talks during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between Syria and Italy, Italian role in peace process in addition to coordination between Syria and Italy during Italy's presidency of the European Union.

Foreign Minister, Farouk Al-Shara and Italy's Ambassador to Damascus, Mrs. Laura Mirakian attended the meeting.