President al-Assad to Moratinos: Israel is not Serious about Peace, All
Facts Point out that Israel is Pushing the Region towards War not Peace
Feb 03, 2010
www.sana.sy/eng/21/2010/02/03/270615.htm

Damascus, (SANA- Syrian news agency) - President Bashar al-Assad discussed
on Wednesday with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos
developments in the region and the stalled peace process and its future
prospects.

President al-Assad affirmed that Israel is not serious about achieving peace
since all facts point out that Israel is pushing the region towards war, not
peace.
Talks during the meeting dealt with the historic and distinguished bonds
between Syria and Spain on various levels, underlining the importance of
these ties in bolstering communication among the peoples of the
Mediterranean.

The two sides also discussed the prospects of developing relations between
Syria and the European Union, which is currently presided over by Spain. For
his part, Moratinos pointed out that the problems of the Middle East will be
a priority for the European Union during his country's presidency, stressing
the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between Syria and
Spain regarding various issues of the region.

He also expressed appreciation of Syria's positive role for the
establishment of security and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential
Political and Media Advisor Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, Assistant Foreign
Minister Abdulfattah Ammoura, the Spanish Ambassador in Damascus, and the
delegation accompanying Minister Moratinos.

President al-Assad held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis
Rodriguez Zapatero in October 2009 in Damascus on developing the bilateral
relations
between the two countries, the situations in the region and the relations
with the EU and the efforts to achieve the peace

H. Zain / A. N. Idelbi / H. Sabbagh/