Netanyahu promises to make peace with Syria, Lebanon before the year 2,000

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he pledges to conclude a peace agreement with Syria and Lebanon before the year 2,000.

He said he is looking forward to meeting with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad after the Israeli elections on May 17.

Earlier this week, President al-Assad refused a request made by Israeli President Ezer Weizman to meet with him during the funeral of King Hussein, while US President Bill Clinton gave up at the last moment the idea of bringing together former Israeli Premier Shimon Peres and the Syrian president, according to well-informed Israeli press sources.

Damascus, on the other hand, seemed to be optimistic in opening a new page of relations with Jordan after the initiative taken by President Hafez al-Assad in taking part in King Hussein's funeral ceremony and his meeting with King Abdullah.