Bashar Assad. We don't
Photo: AFP
Walid Moualemm. We do
Photo: AFP
Syria conflicted over war, peace
Syrian President addresses military saying country committed to restoring hold on Golan. Meanwhile Syrian FM says 'Syria will take part in any International peace conference'
Syrian President Bashar Assad said
Tuesday that his country was fully committed to restoring Syria's hold
on the Golan.
"The events unfolding over the past few years have proven that Syria does not cower to threats nor is it affected by pressure," wrote Bashar in an aggressive presidential message sent to the Syrian army on its 62nd anniversary.
Talking Peace
We would like to resume peace negotiations with Israel, Syrian official says day after Olmert said he did not want to go to war with Damascus. 'Our position is the same; we're closely following (Israeli) statements,' official adds
"Our national rights and interests remain at the top of our priorities," he added.
Earlier Tuesday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem, stated that Syria would be willing to take part in a US-sponsored peace conference, saying "Syria will support and participate in any international conference for peace. The objectives, participants and grounds for such an initiative must be made clear.
"Anyone who wants to be a peacemaker does not initiate a dangerous armament race in the region," added Moualem, who spoke after a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
Moualemm comments do not coincide with his president's letter to the military: "Syria is the champion of resistance and of protecting national rights.
We are the champions
"We shall remain loyal to our way, the way of honor and peace. We shall remain loyal to our principles, remain adamant about retrieving every last grain of our occupied land."This is a matter of sovereignty, of honor and of right. We will not treat these matters lightly," wrote Bashar to his army.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday he does not anticipate a war breaking out in the next few months.
"There is no need to flame the winds of war. I really believe this summer and the following autumn won't be too hot… Our neighbors know we would much rather talk about peace than prove that we are stronger than they are.
"Millions of people live in the north and in the east, and they want a peaceful life. We want to share our hopes for such a life with them" said Olmert, speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv.
AP contributed to this report
