Al-Assad welcomes European, Austrian roles

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Austria's chancellor Viktor Klima Monday night discussed bilateral relations and means of developing them in various fields.

Talks also dealt with the situation in the region and the state of stalemate in the peace process due to the Israeli government's policy as well as efforts being exerted to rescue this process through returning to the bases set for it.

Assad welcomed an active European role to help put the peace process back on the path leading to the objective of a just and comprehensive peace. He also welcomed Austria's attitude in support of the peace process and its bases.