Syrian, Finnish presidents review regional developments

President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday in Damascus reviewed with the Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari the latest developments in the Middle East and the Syrian President reiterated Syria's commitment to a just and comprehensive peace that restores lands and rights to their rightful owners.

The Finnish President who currently presides the EU council in the region stressed his country's readiness to contribute to the efforts that aim at achieving solutions to the issues related to the peace process.

Earlier in the day, the Finnish president arrived in Damascus and was welcomed by President Hafez al-Assad and senior high ranking officials, and later the two presidents held talks at al-Shaab ( the people's) Palace attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen and EU- ME special envoy Moratinos and several Finnish directors and advisors.

In the evening the Finnish President left Damascus following a one day visit to Syria. Earlier in the day, President al-Assad held a luncheon banquet in honor of President Ahitsaari and his companions.

During his visit to Syria, the Finnish President and his companions visited the Grand Umayyad's Mosque in Damascus. and he was accompanied by al-Sharaa.