Syrian source stresses realization of progress in first day of negotiations

A Syrian source close to the Syrian- Israeli peace negotiations in Washington stressed on Thursday that the first day of negotiations witnessed a progress in the issues of conflict. He described the negotiations as very serious.

The source, which asked not to be identified, told the AFP that, "Should progress not be attained, there is nothing that justifies the continuation of negotiations for the second day."

The Syrian source added that the US is effectively present in the negotiations which he described as tripartite (US, Israel and Syria ) rather than being bilateral (Syria and Israel), adding that the US participation will continue in the future.

He continued that the US participation is due to the persistence of the Syrian side, which does not want Israel's retreat from its taken promises to be repeated, like what had happened with "Rabin's deposit."

Replying to a question on the most difficult issues that have been debated, the Syrian source said the "most difficult file for us is that of the land, which means the withdrawal from the whole of the Golan Heights, and everything left can be discussed and negotiated."

The Syrian source continued that discussions during the first day of negotiations were deepened, dealt with substantial issues and were very serious." But the Syrian source refused to say whether announcement of principles will be made at the conclusion of the second and last day of negotiations on Thursday afternoon.

He stated that the Syrian position in the negotiations is based on the principle of balance and equality, principles which Syrian demands be implemented especially on the security part of the settlement.

The Syrian source continued that security arrangements should be equally reciprocated. "Security whether to be complete or not to be," and that each side has to give 50% of it (security) because "ensuring security for one side without the other makes security temporarily and the peace fragile."

Concerning the map of withdrawal and Israel's persistence on embarking on the borders set in 1923 by France and England, the two countries who had mandated Syria and Palestine, the map which makes of the lake of Tabaraya completely belong to Israel, the Syrian source stressed that London and Paris in the year 1926 agreed to amend these borders and this matter "is confirmed in official documents."

The Syrian source continued that the question of waters should be discussed in the framework of the region as a whole and that Syria will not violate international law in this substantial question.