Syrian Vice President ‘Abd al-Halim Khaddam has conveyed to President Konstandinos Karamanlis a friendly message from Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad as well as an iavitation to pay an official visit to Syria. Karamanlis received Khaddam at the Presidential Palace this morning and thanked him for the invitation, which he accepted.
At noon today, the Syrian vice president met with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kharalambopoulos. The talks following the meeting were also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulas, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister ‘Isam an-Na’ib, and members of the two delegations. The talks were a continuation of the conference, which was held at Maximos Palace yesterday under Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou’s chairmanship. Bilateral issues as well as the international situation were discussed in detail. During the talks, both sides gave clarifications on specific issues. Kharalambopoulos then hosted an official luncheon for Khaddam and his entourage.
Syrian Vice President Khaddam called on Chamber of Deputies President Alevras this afternoon. Khaddam was accompanied by his country’s ambassador, ‘Ali al-Madani, members of his entourage, and Foreign Ministry officials. The visit was cordial and there was an exchange of views on relations between the two countries’ parliaments. Alevras outlined Greek positions on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, while Khaddam said that Syria’s support for the Cyprus issue is always positive and that it considers the division of the unitary state of Cyprus inconceivable.
