EU foreign policy chief says hopes Syria-Israel talks continue
Solana tells Assad Europe is totally committed to the peace process and believe such talks are fundamental.
By The Associated Press Tags: Israel Syria peace Israel newsThe European Union's foreign policy chief said Thursday he hopes indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel will continue and bring progress.
Javier Solana said he conveyed this during a meeting Thursday with President Bashar Assad in Damascus, adding that "the talks are fundamental and that Europe's commitment to the peace process is total."
Syria and Israel recently held four rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Turkey. But the talks have made no significant headway, and Syria said a fifth round was postponed at Israel's request.
Solana also praised Syria's recent establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Lebanon - the first time since both countries gained independence in the 1940s.
Meanwhile, Syria's ambassador to the United States on Tuesday warned that should Israel scuttle the renewed peace negotiations, the citizens of each country will pay the price.
"If the Israelis are merely interested in the 'process' and not the 'peace', they will ultimately be held accountable... Future Israeli and Arab generations will pay a dear price for this shortsightedness and obstinacy," Ambassador Imad Moustapha said in an interview with the Syria Comment Web site.
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
