Barak describes al-Assad as strong and firm leader

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak described Syrian President Hafez al-Assad as strong and firm, acting out of responsibility, saying that there is currently a historical chance to establish a peace of the brave with Syria. Israel Radio said Barak said this was stated in Paris following the conclusion of his visit to Paris and after the meetings he held with some leaders of international countries who came to Paris to attend conference of the International Socialist in his answer to journalists' questions regarding resuming Syrian - Israeli negotiations.