Syrian President Bashar Assad
Photo: AP
Palestinian President Abbas
Photo: AP
Abbas meets Assad amid Palestinian boycott
'Resistance sees Abbas' organizational, political moves as illegitimate,' report says of boycott
Syrian President Bashar Assad met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday in Damascus amid a decision by Palestinian leaders residing in Syria to boycott the meeting.
"The two discussed the situation in the (Palestinian) territories and the suffering of the Palestinian people due to steps taken by the Israeli occupation (forces)," Syria's state-owned news agency reported.
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"The resistance decided to boycott Abbas' visit and not to meet him because the resistance sees his organizational and political moves as illegitimate," the report said.
"The resistance forces are not interested in politically supporting Abbas' moves or statements regarding the establishment of a government that distances itself from national interests, and are also uninterested in supporting his visit to Washington."
Syrian news agencies said Assad and Abbas discussed the Palestinian interfaith talks as well as the peace process, relations with Israel, and general regional issues.
Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said Abbas' visit was intended to strengthen Arab solidarity and discuss joint interests. An attempt was also made to form a unified Arab position on negotiations with Israel.
Abbas' visit to Damascus took place three days after a visit by Jordan's King Abdullah II, and on Friday Turkish President Abdullah Gul is scheduled to make an appearance there.
