Fatchett starts visit today to Syria, Jordan

British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett starts today a two-day visit to Syria in the course of a tour which will also cover Jordan.

In a statement, the British Foreign Office said the timing of Fatchett's visit is very important, noting that the British minister will stress the importance of resuming peace negotiations on the Israeli-Syrian track as well as the importance of achieving a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East also covering Israel's withdrawal from the Lebanese territories.

Fatchett's talks with Syrian officials will also deal with the Iraqi crisis with the UN and means of strengthening bilateral relations between Britain and Syria. However, this is Fatchett's second visit to Syria. His first visit came in May 1997.

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook also visited Syria in March this year in the course of a Middle East tour.