In an interview with the Le Figaro.fr online, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad indicated there would be no direct negotiations with Israel until US President George W. Bush leaves office at the earliest.

The Syrian leader is calling upon France to assume a bigger peace-making role, stating that doing so would open a big door to the international scene.

Regarding direct talks with Israel, Assad stated negotiations with Yerushalayim have been frozen for eight years. He added there have been attacks against Lebanon and Syria and therefore, it is understandable regarding the lack of confidence between the parties.

Assad explained that the most important component of the talks is the sponsorship, admitting an American role is essential and Europe is complimentary. He stated France’s participation is significant, referring to France as a “vanguard”.

“Frankly, we do not believe that the current American administration is capable of making peace. It has neither the will nor the vision…” Assad exclaimed.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)