Patil. Visiting Damascus
Photo: AP
Indian president backs Syria's claim on Golan
Pratibha Patil visits Damascus in bid to improve economic ties between two countries. In joint press conference, Assad accuses Israel of hindering regional economic development with policies that prevent peace
Indian President Pratibha Patil said Saturday that she supports Syria's demand for Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
In a joint press conference with Patil, who is on a visit to Syria aimed at boosting economic ties, Syrian President Bashar Assad said the lack of peace in the region was interfering with efforts at economic developments.
"The lack of peace in our region, due to Israeli policies and despite Syrian efforts, intensifies tensions and hinders efforts at economic development," Assad said.
"Only peace based on international decisions and the principle of land for peace can guarantee stability and prosperity in the Middle East and throughout the world."
The Syrian president also expressed hope that Syria and India, together with the international community, would succeed in "ending the suffering of the Palestinian people".
Assad also lauded Iran, which announced Saturday that it had succeeded in getting its nuclear plant in Bushehr up and running.
"Iran and all other nations have the right to make use of nuclear energy for peaceful aims," he said.
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