Mr. Mahmoud Abbas “Abu Mazen,” Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, met this afternoon in Damascus with Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President. During the meeting, the current political and security situation of the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli terrorism was discussed Mr. Abu Mazen presented an analysis of the political events and developments since “Camp David,” in which the Palestinian discussions were led with the skill and solidity of President Yasser Arafat, in which we did not waste an opportunity and adhered to the minimum rights, which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, with minor amendments that are dealt with in the same way. And not unfair
Mr. Abu Mazen stressed the Palestinian constants regarding Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and security
The Syrian Vice President gave an explanation of the regional and international position, part of which was devoted to Syrian-Palestinian relations, indicating that the circumstances and conditions in the region necessitate coordination in positions between Syria and Palestine.
Mr. Khaddam announced during the meeting that the Syrians and Palestinians are living in a stage in which there is no longer a difference between us regarding the political position
The Syrian Vice President affirmed that Syria's desire is clear and explicit to invite President Arafat to visit Damascus and to hold talks to come up with a common position and to coordinate in confronting the challenges, most notably Sharon's destructive policy, which puts the region on the brink of war.
Mr. Khaddam concluded the meeting by saying, “We look forward to Syrian-Palestinian relations and coordination without conditions or backgrounds, and we await President Arafat’s visit.”
