Will the relationship between the PLO and Syria return to normal after a five-year hiatus? All signs point in that direction, supported by an important statement from a Palestinian official and a meeting between the Soviet Ambassador in Damascus and the Secretary General of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. In Damascus, Salim Al-Zaanoun, a member of the Fatah Central Committee and Vice President of the Palestinian National Council, confirmed in a statement to the French Press Agency that the Fatah delegation currently in the Syrian capital will meet Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad. However, the date of the meeting was not specified.
Al-Zaanoun mentioned, “The discussions that took place between Syrian leaders and PLO officials will continue today to make necessary arrangements for PLO leader Yasser Arafat’s visit to Damascus.” He explained that Arafat’s absence from the funeral of “Abu Jihad” was due to security reasons, but he will soon come to Damascus. Al-Zaanoun emphasized the existence of a comprehensive agreement between the PLO and Syria on fundamental matters, particularly the need to support the Intifada in the occupied territories and shield it from questionable American initiatives presented by American Secretary of State George Shultz and other envoys aimed at saving Israel. They also agreed on the necessity of formulating a unified Arab position through an Arab summit conference.
Speaking to Reuters, Al-Zaanoun stated, “Arafat will visit Syria in the near future and meet with President Assad.” He mentioned, “This agreement was reached after discussions between a high-level PLO delegation and Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam last Thursday night.” The Fatah delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, and Syrian television broadcasted scenes from the meeting.
Al-Zaanoun remarked, “The meeting with Khaddam addressed Syrian-Palestinian relations comprehensively, and all issues were thoroughly discussed. We can say that relations have been fully restored, and we anticipate a reception from Assad.” He highlighted that the reconciliation was based on previous contacts facilitated by Algeria, and “these contacts and meetings have addressed most of the essential points for this restoration of normal relations.”
