Syria says talks with Israel require US support
Syrian President Bashar Assad says he is counting on the next American president to help support efforts to negotiate peace between his country and Israel.
In an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro to be published Tuesday, Assad called his planned visit this weekend to Paris "historic" because "it opens a large door (for Syria) to the international scene."
Assad would not commit to meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during the visit — but did not rule it out. Both will be among some 40 leaders in Paris to launch the Mediterranean Union, France”s prized initiative during its European Union presidency which began July 1.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said any meeting between the two leaders would mark "formidable progress" in Israel-Syria relations.
Syria and Israel have long been enemies but recently renewed indirect contacts through Turkish mediators.
"The two sides are testing their intentions," Assad told Le Figaro. "We must find a common base to start direct negotiations. As soon as this base is ready, we can engage in direct negotiations with Israel."
Assad stressed the need for international backing for talks. "Of course, the role of the United States is essential, but that of Europe is complementary, and when we talk of the political role of Europe, France is in the avant-garde," he was quoted as saying.
He said he was waiting for the new U.S. administration to take office. He charged that President Bush has "neither the will nor the vision" to move peace forward and said the U.S. leader”s time is running out.
"We are counting on the next American president and his administration," Assad said.
Human rights groups are protesting the visit by Assad, who has also been invited to participate with other world leaders in a traditional military march marking France”s national day.