Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam stated that the upcoming Arab Summit in Beirut would discuss all proposed ideas. The most crucial matter is to “establish clear ideas that incorporate all Arab constants, including the liberation of all occupied Arab territories, the restoration of the national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to create an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, the right to self-determination, and the right of return of Palestinian refugees.” Khaddam conveyed a message from Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to his Libyan counterpart Muammar Gaddafi during his visit to the Libyan capital of Tripoli, explaining that these combined elements “are the required elements to establish peace and relations. It is normal peace if Israel abides by Arab rights.”
Regarding the Saudi initiative, the Syrian Vice President remarked, “When we discussed with our Saudi brothers, we discovered that we share similar ideas. We agree on the liberation of occupied Arab territories and Israeli withdrawal beyond the June 4, 1967 line. We also agree on the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. We agree on the return of Palestinian refugees as a critical issue. These issues are all included in the Saudi ideas that will be presented to the summit to become an initiative.” He continued, “We are working and hopeful that everyone will contribute to the success of the Beirut summit.”