Report: Syria already reaping 'fruits of peace'

(VIDEO) Following agreement between Lebanese factions, resumption of dialogue with Israel, French foreign minister seeks to lift boycott, meet with his Syrian counterpart. Damascus expects fresh start in its relations with Arab, European states
Roee Nahmias

VIDEO - Syria earning first political gains? French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has asked his country's embassy in Damascus to organize a meeting for him with his Syrian counterpart, Wallid Mouallem, during Sunday's festive Lebanese parliament session, the London-based Arabic-language al-Hayat newspaper reported.

Video courtesy of Infolive.tv

Paris is still boycotting the Syrians, following a decision made by President Nicolas Sarkozy. Many Arab and international dignitaries are expected to arrive at the parliament in order to take part in a meeting which will approve the appointment of Lebanon's army chief Michel Suleiman as the country's next president.

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According to the report, the Syrian side has yet to reply to the French request, citing Moallem's "tight schedule".

But the French are not settling for this. The newspaper added that the French government was weighing taking "measured steps" aimed at expressing its appreciation for Syria's efforts to reach an internal Lebanese agreement and for the resumption of an indirect dialogue with Israel.

France is considering signing a partnership agreement between Syria and the European Union, as well as a visit by Kouchner to Damascus.

It appears, however, that Syria is not satisfied with the French moves and expects greater diplomatic rewards in the near future following the agreement in Lebanon and the talks with Israel.

Syrian sources told the newspaper that Damascus "expects all Arab countries and the European states to meet their commitments, according to which solving the Lebanese crisis will help turn over a new leaf in their relations with Syria."

First signals for a new European approach towards Syria were seen Saturday, after Moallem received a phone call from European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos. Spain's King Juan Carlos also telephoned President Assad.

Official sources in Syria reported that in the phone conversations, the officials expressed "their appreciation for Syria's efforts to obtain the Doha agreement."