American professor's lecture on Syrian- American relations

American Professor Michel Hudson of George Town University has said that the Syrian foreign policy has taken an interesting mature dimension that shows Syria's care to ensure the requirements of security and stability in the region.

In a lecture he delivered at Al-Assad Library in Damascus yesterday, Hudson added that Syria has witnessed in recent years important steps in economic and political spheres and opening where the Internet is being used everywhere.

He went on to say that Syria has made economic progress toward integration with the world economy through banking and financial reform and through encouraging transparency and freedom of expression.

He also underlined the giant strides that the educational system has taken in Syria including the opening of private universities.

Regarding the current US-Syrian relations. Hudson attributed the situation to the direct influence of the neo-conservatives and the Israeli lobby in the United States, who have been seeking to distort Syria's image.

Hudson, however, indicated that there is a team in the US. administration that sees Syria as a factor of stability and cooperation with the international community, and encourages dialogue with Syria.

He said that the United States doesn't pursue a balanced policy in the Middle East. He added that the Palestinians have suffered injustice for a long time and have been expelled from their homeland repeatedly and should be compensated and exercise their right to return.