“Abdul Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President, criticized the ‘Greater Middle East Initiative’ project prepared by Washington to promote democracy in the region due to its neglect of ‘Israeli crimes’ against Palestinians. Khaddam stated to journalists that ‘this initiative reminds us of the situation that existed before World War I when the major powers at that time were looking for ways to tear apart and divide the region.’
Khaddam made these statements at the end of a meeting with a delegation of Iraqi tribal representatives visiting Syria. He added that the proponents of this initiative ‘have forgotten what Israel is doing and have forgotten Israel’s crimes in Palestine.’
He emphasized that in order to achieve security and stability in the Middle East, it is necessary to ‘end the Israeli occupation and implement United Nations resolutions’ related to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The United States is working on this plan, which aims, according to its statements, to support reforms and establish democracy in the Middle East. It may be launched during the Group of Eight summit in June.
In response to a question about similar initiatives presented by European countries, Khaddam affirmed that ‘reform and development are national and ongoing needs for Arabs and non-Arabs alike,’ adding that ‘Arabs choose and are not imposed upon.'”
