President Bashar al-Assad, meeting on Wednesday morning with a visiting European Parliament delegation for relations with the Mashrek countries chaired by Mario David, called on the EU for new approaches and policies corresponding to the changes which took place in the region, in bolstering of the European role, asserting that this is the most successful means to enhance peace opportunities in the region.

Talks dealt with prospects of cooperation between Syria and the European Union in various fields, and the importance of strengthening this cooperation.

In this regard, the Association file between Syria and the European Union was touched upon, where there has been an accord in viewpoints regarding the necessity to overcome the obstacles blocking the signature of the Association Agreement in the interest of both sides.

President al-Assad reviewed during the meeting the efforts being exerted by Syria to achieve security and stability in the Middle East, and Syria's continued work for the achievement of the just and comprehensive peace in the region in implementation of the international legitimacy resolutions, restoring the rights to their legitimate owners.

President al-Assad also reviewed  the difficulties hindering the success of these efforts in light of the absence of an Israeli partner, which isn't willing to achieve peace.

Members of the delegation, for their part, underscored the importance of the role played by Syria to establish security and stability, and to achieve Mideast peace, voicing the interest of the European Parliament in the exchange of experiences and expertise with the Syrian People's Assembly (Parliament) as to upgrade parliamentary relations and improve them for better relations between Syria and the European Union.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban the Presidential Political and Media Advisor , Suleiman Hadad Chairman of the Arab and Foreign Affairs Committee at the People's Assembly, and the EU Ambassador to Damascus.

Members of the EU Parliament delegation underlined that the meeting with President al-Assad was fruitful, adding "the talks dealt with the peace process in the Middle East, relations between Syria and the EU and the EU-Syria Association Agreement"

"Syria is an important regional power and assumes a basic role in the region," Portuguese MP, Head of the delegation Mario David said at a press conference at the EU Mission HQ in Damascus.

He added that President al-Assad briefed the delegation on the economic reforms adopted by Syria, saying "We touched upon the openness, frankness and good intentions during the meetings held with the Syrian officials."

David added that the European side understands the Syrian stance on reviewing the Association Agreement which should come in the interest of both sides.

The Head of the EU Parliament delegation made it clear that the visit to Syria aims at exchanging information and getting more acquainted with the other side, reiterating the EU Parliament stance on the necessity of peace prevailing  in the region in line with the1967 borders and finding a comprehensive solution to all pending issues as well as the problem of refugees in Syria, particularly the Palestinians and the Iraqis.

"The EU should play a more effective role in the peace process, launch new initiatives and assume the fair mediator role in light of its good relations with the parties concerned… the Arab Peace Initiative is a good ground for reaching a comprehensive peace in the region," David said.

On setting a date to sign the EU-Syria Association Agreement, David said "no date has been fixed to sign the Agreement," expressing confidence the two sides will reach a final agreement over the next few weeks.

Regarding some countries' endeavors to go to the UN Security Council and impose sanctions on Iran though it signed a uranium swap with Turkey and Brazil, David said "few days have passed since the signing… we need extra time to understand it… but it is a positive step to reach a satisfactory solution."

For his part, British MP Sajjad Karim said that President al-Assad briefed the delegation on the Syrian stance regarding the Association Agreement and his vision to solve the Iranian issue, adding "his stance was clear in this regard… for us, the agreement between Iran, Brazil and Turkey gives more time in order to make a progress to solve this issue."

Bulgarian MP Antonyia Parvanova, for her part, said that during a meeting with Speaker of the People's Assembly and the Arab and Foreign Affairs Committee at the People's Assembly, the EU Parliament delegation reached an agreement to form a parliamentary friendship association between the People's Assembly and the EU Parliament.

"We will call on the EU Parliament to do its best with the European Union to provide suitable conditions to conduct talks with countries of the region on peace and economic issues," she added.

Belgian MP Said al-Khidrawi underlined that Syria is an important country and assumes an important role, adding "cooperation with Syria is very significant to find solutions to the problems the region is suffering from and achieve peace in it."

source: sana (Zahra/ Al-Ibrahim/ Mazen)