British envoy describes talks with al-Assad as constructive

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad received on Tuesday Special Representative of British Prime Minister to Iraq and Deputy Chairman of the Interim Coalition Authority, Jeremy Greenstock.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the situation and the latest development in Iraq. President al-Assad stressed the necessity for putting a definite timetable and clear vision in order to realize security and stability in Iraq. He asserted the necessity for the formation of an elected Iraqi government, the formation of a constitution which is accepted by all the Iraqis parties and for enabling the Iraqi people to exercise self-determination.

For his part, Greenstock expressed high appreciation over Syria's exerted efforts regarding the situation in Iraq.

He also expressed appreciation over the cooperation between Syria and Britain in this regard asserting the importance of dialogue between Syria and Britain in order to achieve stability in Iraq.

In a press statement yesterday in Damascus Greenstock expressed hope that political program priority should be given to in Iraq to transfer the authority to the Iraqi people referring to the many security problems in Iraq.

He has also described his discussions with President Bashar al-Assad and with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara as 'constructive' and covered many political, economic and security issues in Iraq.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister, Farouk al-Shara received Greenstock. Al-Shara stressed the necessity for enhancing the role of the United Nations in restoring security and stability in Iraq, enabling the Iraqi people exercise their self-determination and restore the Iraqi unity and integrity.