Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam stated that a meeting between Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is not a possibility. He emphasized that Israel has no genuine intention to achieve peace. Khaddam made these remarks upon his arrival in Doha yesterday, in response to a question regarding a rumored meeting between President Assad and Sharon. Khaddam said, “Such a matter is not even up for discussion. The issue is not about whether Israel wants peace or not. The past events, whether involving Syria or the Palestinians, demonstrate that Israel creates obstacles. Whenever a particular matter is being addressed, Israel attempts to hinder progress, leading us to believe that they lack the intention to pursue peace.” When asked about Syria’s position, Khaddam responded, “Our stance remains unchanged since we accepted Resolution 242. We have a clear position seeking peace based on the full withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967 and the fulfillment of the national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, return, and the establishment of their state.”
