Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President, emphasized that his discussions with His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh were characterized by a fraternal atmosphere. He added that the discussions covered various aspects of the Arab situation, the prevailing state of fragmentation and weakness, and its implications for the future of the Arabs. He pointed out that their views were identical, and they agreed on the importance of joint action to build effective Arab solidarity in the Arab arena. He also highlighted that the state of weakness violated the nation on the one hand and made it easier for the aspiring forces in the Arab world to impose their dominance.
The Syrian Vice President said, “We agreed that the safest way for Arabs is to restore solidarity, openness, and reconciliation on grounds that lead to Arab advancement.” Regarding the Yemeni initiative, Khaddam said that it was discussed during the meeting. He expressed his gratitude to His Excellency the President for presenting this initiative, which reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a broad awareness of the magnitude of the dangers that threaten the Arab world. He pointed out that there are several Arab initiatives and stressed the importance of extracting what is beneficial to all and coming up with a comprehensive Arab project and an Arab vision based on solidarity, integration, and unity of destiny to achieve a comprehensive reform of joint Arab action.
Khaddam said that the situation in Iraq was discussed in-depth, and their views agreed that the situation should be addressed to restore Iraq’s independence and build its state with constitutional institutions. He pointed out that this requires Arab help in the form of several means, the most important of which are Iraqi national unity, non-interference in side conflicts, evacuation of foreign forces, enabling Iraq to determine its fate and choose its system of government under the umbrella of democracy. He added that all the outcomes of these discussions and the opinions presented by His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh would be transmitted and presented to His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad.
Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President, departed Sanaa this evening after a short visit to the Republic of Yemen during which he delivered a message from His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, regarding bilateral relations and the latest situation in the region to His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
