Mandela: President al-Assad is determined to make peace

Former South African president Nelson Mandela said in occupied Jerusalem on Monday that he is confident that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad "is determined to establish peace with Israel."

In press statements Mandela delivered before meeting Israeli President Ezer Weizman on Monday at the premises of the Israeli presidency, Mandela said, "I have to reiterate that President al-Assad did not only vow to establish peace in general but also to establish peace with Israel."

Mandela strongly commended Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and described him as "a statesman" who enjoys "courage and farsightedness."

Mandela, on the other hand, announced that the Iranian government wants to establish peace and stability in the region and that it does not have hatred for any country, including Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli President Ezer Weizman said during his meeting with Mandela that he does not intend to send a message to President al-Assad via Mandela.

Weizman added that he had sent several such messages to al-Assad in the past and has received so far no reply.

The Israeli President added, "Peace will not be made through mediation rather direct negotiations," Israel Radio reported.