By KUNA,
Paris : Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad stressed in an interview here Tuesday the importance of his visit to France, set for July 12-14, which he said coincided with Paris’ decision to break its old policy towards the Arab country and also came at a time when there were several positive regional developments.
Speaking with French daily “Le Figaro,” Al-Assad said, “We are witnessing a break from France’s current policy and the policy of the past. This new policy is more realistic and corresponds more to the interests of our two countries. It is a solid basis to renew a healthy relationship.” France and Syria had fallen out over the Lebanese political fiasco and Paris broke off “high-level” contacts at presidential level last December, until the Doha Accord was signed by the Lebanese parties in May.
The Syrian president said that a second important factor coinciding with his visit was the resumption of peace talks with Israel, with Turkish mediation.
“The timing of my visit is important as it coincides with the restarting of negotiations with Israel and with the end of the Lebanese crisis, (resolution of which) Syria had taken part in.” Al-Assad further said he felt his visit was “an opportunity for Europe, and notably for France, to play a role in the resolution of several questions regarding the Middle East region.” “This visit is, for me, a historic one, and an opening towards France and towards Europe,” he said.
Concerning the three rounds of talks that had taken place with representatives of the Israeli government through Turkish mediation, the Syrian leader said that “the two parties are testing their intentions.” He noted that peace talks had been paralyzed for eight years and that aggressions had been committed against both Lebanon and Syria, adding that given this fact, “it is totally normal that there is a lack of confidence.” He said it was now necessary to find “a common basis to undertake direct talks with Israel,” but that the most important factor in direct talks “is the sponsorship.” “Of course the role of the United States is essential, but that of Europe is complementary,” he remarked. “And when we talk of a political role for Europe, France is in the front line.” For the time being, Al-Assad excluded a productive role for the current US administration of President George W. Bush, but said that once a common basis was established with Israel, then the new US administration could be approached.
“We are betting on the next American president and his administration,” he said. “It is, we hope, more of an advantage to have a change of president in the United States.” Al-Assad said he did not know yet to what extent France could play a role in the peace talks, but that his impression of President Nicolas Sarkozy was that he was “enthusiastic with regard to these negotiations” with Israel, and France could play “a direct role” in them.
“If he confirms this to me, I will invite him to directly support the peace process. Of course I will speak of direct negotiations. France has currently shown a very high-level of political dynamism to push the peace process forward.” Asked if he would soon recognized the independence of Lebanon and appoint an ambassador there, Al-Assad said that Syria “has always recognized the independence of Lebanon,” and remarked that his country did not have embassies in half world states.
The fact that there was no embassy in Beirut “does not signify that Syria does not recognize the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon,” he affirmed.
“Concerning the opening of embassies in Syria and Lebanon, I proposed this to the Lebanese leaders.” He said he made the offer in 2005 after the Syrian pullout from Lebanon.
He went on to say that to open embassies, there must be good relations, and relations had not been good for the past three years.
“We are waiting for the formation of the Lebanese government of national unity in Lebanon to discuss this question. But there will be no problem to open these two embassies. I announced this willingness several times,” he reiterated.
He also underlined the good relations he has with newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, whom he said he had supported for the post and in his political action.