British Foreign office highlights relations with Syria

British Foreign Ministry Spokesman described on Thursday the relation between Britain and Syria as good and based on a serious and constructive dialogue.

In a brief interview with SANA in London, the spokesman said that President Bashar al-Assad has adopted a reform program and the British government is observing the steps of this program referring to the imminent the Syrian - European Partnership agreement.

He praised the Syrian cooperation in combating terrorism pointing out to the positive Syrian stance which condemned the bombing attacks launched against the British Consulate in Istanbul, and the Syrian authority's hand over of those who have been involved in the attack.

He stressed that the Syrian presence in Lebanon has been done by a request from Lebanon, and that the Syrian-Lebanese relations is a matter related to the two states' own affairs.

He described Baroness Simons' latest visit to Syria, her meeting with President Bashar al-Assad, and her talks with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara as good and positive adding that the talks tackled different issues including the situation in Iraq.

He stressed the Syrian-British accord about the necessity of achieving the security and stability in Iraq.