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Europe
Sarkozy welcomes Assad in Paris
2008-07-12
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has welcomed his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, to the Elysee Palace.
They mean 'counterpart' in the loosest possible way ...
The meeting, part of a weekend of diplomatic efforts centred on the Middle East, marks a return to the world stage for the Syrian president.

Relations between the two countries became strained following the assassination in 2005 of Lebanon's former Prime Minister, Rafiq Hariri. France accused Damascus of involvement, an allegation denied by Syria.
And now Sarko has let them off the hook ...
Mr Sarkozy will later host a meeting between Mr Assad and Lebanon's newly-elected president, Michel Suleiman, a day after the formation of a new unity government in Beirut. Mr Suleiman told the Associated Press that Lebanon wanted an "exchange of ambassadors and diplomatic relations" with Syria.

The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since Rafiq Hariri's death.

The Paris visit is a big boost for Mr Assad, helping Syria to break out of its diplomatic isolation, says BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs. But critics correctly say it is too much of a reward, when there are still serious question-marks over human rights in Syria and its alleged role in the killing of Hariri.

Earlier on Saturday, Mr Sarkozy held talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who will be a key player in the French leader's plan for a union of Mediterranean states, our correspondent adds. Mr Sarkozy is hosting a summit on Sunday to launch this union, which will be attended by 43 leaders of countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Only Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is expected to boycott it.
Posted by:tipper

#2  There has been some talk that the half dozen or so top Syrian leaders could suddenly retire to Paris, with guaranteed personal wealth, assuming that the Alawite government suddenly collapses.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2008-07-12 14:45  

#1  French President Nicolas Sarkozy has welcomed his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, to the Elysee Palace.

No Tour de France for you!
Posted by: Raj   2008-07-12 12:12  

00:00