On the Syrian -Palestinian meeting

Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council Abbas Zaki, who recently visited Damascus within a Palestinian delegation said that the Syrians asserted their backing for any Palestinian measures or inclination following the provisional period and in case of taking any Palestinian measure by the central council.

In a statement to the Jordanian daily al-Dustour issued on Monday in Amman, the Palestinian official added that during the meetings held between the Syrian and Palestinian sides, views were exchanged on convening a summit for the "cordoning countries" (Arab states that are bordering Israel): Syria, Jordan Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine. The meeting is also to be attended by Saudi Arabia.

Zaki stressed the importance of convening such a summit, which will constitute the starting point for a broader Arab move. Zaki added that the Syrians "supported this proposal."

In his statement Zaki added that the issue of convening a Syrian-Palestinian summit was debated. He added that Syria opens its doors and welcomes the convening of this summit, "And we prepare for convening it, and after we brief President Arafat on the results of the visit we will continue preparations for it."

Zaki asserted Jordan's desire for good Syrian-Palestinian relations and that convening a Jordanian, Palestinian and Syrian tripartite summit is a matter that will be determined by Syria and Jordan. He explained that the visit of the Palestinian delegation to Syria is of special importance as it comes following the end of the provisional period.

Zaki added that during talks with the Syrian officials political conditions were reviewed. He said Syrian officials were briefed on the results of Arafat's international tour and the meetings of the Palestinian Central Council.