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High level Russian-Syrian negotiations begin in Damascus
"In order to launch Russian-Syrian relations to a qualitatively new level, it is going to take a lot of work. First of all, you need to strengthen the multi-faceted political dialogue. We are united by the idea of building a just world order based on the rule of international law, equality of all nations, large and small, and their interaction in global problems, including the new threats and challenges of the XXI century. With regards to this, of special importance are regular Russian-Syrian meetings at all levels, and the effective use of new as well as existing mechanisms of interaction "
The Presidents of Russia and Syria, Dmitry Medvedev and Bashar Assad began talks in the palace complex of Quasr al-Shaab. Their working day will finish on Monday with lunch in the palace complex of Damascus. On Tuesday, Dmitry Medvedev will hold talks with Bashar Assad on a narrow as well as wide range of topics. The parties will discuss the situation in Iraq, the prospects for the Russian proposal to convene a conference in Moscow on the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian settlement conflict will be touched upon. Following the talks, it is expected that the sides will sign several documents, calling for increased cooperation in various fields. The visit is to conclude with the Russian President's meeting with the Patriarch of Antioch Ignatius the fourth. President Dmitry Medvedev became the first Russian leader to visit Syria on an official visit. On Tuesday evening he is to head for Turkey.
And just in case your blood hasn't run cold enough, read on:
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev believes that in regards to relations with Syria, it is important not only to multiply the number of achievements, but also to consistently go forward."In order to launch Russian-Syrian relations to a qualitatively new level, it is going to take a lot of work. First of all, you need to strengthen the multi-faceted political dialogue. We are united by the idea of building a just world order based on the rule of international law, equality of all nations, large and small, and their interaction in global problems, including the new threats and challenges of the XXI century. With regards to this, of special importance are regular Russian-Syrian meetings at all levels, and the effective use of new as well as existing mechanisms of interaction "- said the Russian leader in an article published in the Syrian newspaper Al- Vatan, Interfax reported. President Dmitry Medvedev believes it is important to intensify efforts to expand cooperation in the economic sphere, trade, investment, energy, science, technology, transportation, culture, humanitarian and other areas. In his view, the two countries have a lot of opportunities. The Russian leader believes that the need to move forward by using "innovative, intelligent approaches." "In addition to traditional areas of business interaction it is extremely important to develop high-tech components for trade and economic ties. There are joint projects in the sphere of communications and information technology, implementing systems for navigation, and studying the usage of outer space."Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also emphasizes that Moscow will contribute to a "restart" of the Arab-Israeli dialogue, and encourages the peace process in the Middle East. The Russian head of state is to visit Damascus on 10-11 May. There are planned talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Posted by: Seafarious 2010-05-11
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=296502