Assad: Peace requires willpower, something "Israel" lacks

Local Editor, 20-02-2010

President Bashar Assad declared peace requires willpower - something that the "Israeli" is lacking.

The Syrian President said in a meeting with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Friday that European countries should take up an active role in the region and force "Israel" to commit to a peaceful path.

Assad also stressed the need for Turkish mediation in the so-called peace talks and stressed the importance of France's support in the matter.

The two officials discussed regional affairs in their Damascus meeting, which included the Palestinian-"Israeli" conflict.

Assad stressed that the so-called peace process must be based on international resolutions, SANA reported.

The French prime minister expressed his country's desire to improve ties between Paris and Damascus, as well as between Syria and the European Union, adding that coordination between France and Syria should continue.

Earlier this week Assad met with US Under Secretary of State William Burns in Damascus. The White House announced that the meeting was meant to boost dialogue and "all aspects" of Washington-Damascus relations, which have been strained.

The two officials also discussed ""Israel's" repeated threats against the region's countries and "Israel's" extremism which threatens to foil chances of peace, by igniting the region with wars and leading it into the unknown."