Al-Assad gets a message from Chirac

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Monday received former French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette who conveyed a message from President Jacques Chirac on the Middle East peace process and the current situation in the region.

The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and the French ambassador in Damascus.

President al-Assad asked the former French Foreign Minister to convey a reply message to President Chirac.

The two sides discussed conditions in the region and the efforts exerted by the international community to revive the Middle East peace process. De Charette said that Paris understands Syria's attitude toward the Middle East peace process and is ready to contribute to giving the Middle East peace process a push forward.

Al-Assad reiterated Syria's commitment to peace in line with obligations on the grounds of which the Middle East peace process was launched. President al-Assad once again welcomed a constructive role by France and Europe in the Middle East peace process. The president assured that Syria adheres to its legitimate rights, adding, "Syria will not give up its lands occupied by Israel."

Later in the day, al-Sharaa held a meeting with de Charett, during which talks dealt with bilateral relations and regional matters of concern to both countries.