Al-Shara welcomes EU enlargement

Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Sunday welcomed the joining of new countries to the European Union, referring to the historical ties between Syria and these countries.

During a luncheon banquet in honor of al-Shara, held by the Netherlands' Ambassador in Damascus, al-Shara stressed the important role of the EU vis-a-vis the issues of the region pointing out to the historical and civilization ties between the Mediterranean banks.

"Boosting EU will contribute to restoring a kind of balance to the international relations," al-Shara said adding the historical ties and the geographical factor will make Europeans more understanding of the issues in the region.

He said that cooperation among Med-countries will not maintain its utmost goal in light of the Israeli continued occupation, indicating that the Arab peace initiative adopted in Beirut is a basis for establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Al-Shara expressed Syria's will to enhance the ties with EU countries, hoping the two sides will overcome the current obstacle and soon sign the EU-Syria Association Agreement.