King Abdullah voices backing for Syrian stances

While Saudi Arabia has reiterated support for Syria's stances and its demands concerning the Middle East Peace Process, King Abdullah II of Jordan stressed that the leadership in Syria is "courageous, far-sighted and wise and works with Lebanese brethren to reach peace"

This was expressed on Thursday during King Abdullah's meeting with a delegation representing the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, led by Robert Satloff. The king added that the Syrian stand "went beyond the resounding signals to crystal clear political will to reach a comprehensive agreement based on the point from where the negotiations broke off."

The Jordanian king added, "We will exert every possible effort to make and seize opportunities to help our brethren to reach a solution based on justice that is summed up in land-for-peace, the right of return and compensation for the refugees. Without this, peace can't be safeguarded and sustained."

In Riyadh, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz asserted his country's backing for Syria in all its stances and its demands concerning the Middle East peace process.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Watan issued on Thursday, the Saudi minister said his talks with French President Jacques Chirac dealt with various issues of concern to the peace process, the Syrian track and the possible French role in this process.