UN's Annan visits troups in the Golan

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday received UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and members of the accompanying delegation.

Talks dealt with conditions in the region, the peace process and the stalemate it has reached. Annan expressed interest in becoming acquainted with the region's political developments which he reviewed along the history of the peace process with president al-Assad.

"Peace can be attainable only on the basis of justice and restoration of all occupied lands to their owners," President al-Assad said.

Earlier in the day, Annan, his wife and members of the accompanying delegation visited UNDOF troops in the Golan and in the city of Quneitra. He praised the efforts and sacrifices rendered by the UN troops for establishing peace in the region. "The main mission for the UN is to maintain peace and security in the world. This is the first goal declared in its charter," he added.

"While being here I will spare no efforts to support your efforts and to urge sides concerned to achieve peace," Annan concluded. Then, Annan and his companions toured the liberated city of Quneitra and saw the great destruction enacted by the Israeli occupation forces before their withdrawal from it.