'Positive speech.' Muallem
Photo: AFP
'Clear trend.' Obama
Photo: AFP
Syria: How will Obama's message coincide with Israel's policies?
Foreign Minister Muallem says US president's speech before Turkish parliament expressed his backing for 'two-state solution, comprehensive Mideast peace deal,' but wonders how statements jibe with policies of 'extreme right government in Israel'
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Tuesday praised Barak Obama's speech made this week in Turkey, saying the US president's were "positive" and "expressed a clear trend towards a two-state solution, including a sustainable Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
US Administration
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"Obama's comments also express his desire for a comprehensive peace agreement (in the Middle East) and his support for Turkey's role in this process," the Syrian minister said.
In an interview with Saudi newspaper al-Watan, Muallem wondered how Obama's messages would jibe with the policies of "the extreme right government in Israel that opposes a two-state solution and disregards international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative."
Syria's top diplomat said "we must not abandon anything that has to do with the (Palestinian refugees') right of return and the implementation of UN Resolution 194 in this regard."
In a speech before the Turkish parliament Monday, Obama called upon Israel and the Palestinians to honor the obligations made under the Road Map and the Annapolis Conference.
"Let me be clear: the United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," the US leader said.
Meanwhile, Syrian officials told the Saudi newspaper that Muallem is scheduled to visit Tehran on Wednesday, where he will meet with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki.
