Al-Shara speaks with Powell: Israeli occupation and assassinations are the problem

Syria's Foreign Minister, Farouk al-Shara received in Damascus today a phone call from the U.S Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

Talks dealt with the escalated situation in the region particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Al-Shara stressed that the continuation of the Israeli occupation and assassination of the Palestinian leaders is the basic reason for the escalation of violence in the region.

Concerning the Roadmap, Powell pointed out that it includes the Syrian and the Lebanese tracks stressing the United States' interest in achieving just and comprehensive peace.

He also hoped Syria would exert intensified efforts in order to calm down the situation in the region. Both sides agreed on the continuation of dialogue between the Syrian and the American sides.