Middle East News
Carter discusses Iraq, Gaza developments with Syria's Assad (Extra)
Apr 18, 2008, 20:20 GMT
Damascus - Former US President Jimmy Carter discussed with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday Iraq's current security situation and developments in the Gaza Strip, media reports said.
In their meeting in Syria, Carter and al-Assad stressed the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East, through finding political settlements to lift the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and lessen the sufferings of the Palestinians, Syria's SANA news agency said.
After meeting the Syrian president, Carter met with Hamas' senior leader Khaled Mashaal at his Damascus home.
In defiance of Washington's objections, the former US president discussed a Gaza ceasefire, Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip and the fate of the abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, according to a report posted on a Hamas website .
The report cited Mashaal's deputy, Musa Abu Mrazoque, who talked to reporters in Syria. Mashaal is the senior leader of the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas, which the US and Israel regard as a terrorist group.
Carter expressed his satisfaction about his meeting with al-Assad, who spoke about Syria's role in finding resolution of disputes to the major regional problems.
The former US leader stressed that he will be meeting with all Palestinian factions, SANA said.
Carter said he hoped his tour in the Middle East will contribute to the peace process in the region.
The ex-US President is heading on Saturday to Saudi Arabia to meeting with Saudi King Abdullah and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Middle East
- 1. Jerusalem prelate tells Arab Spring youth to have confidence
- 2. More than 100 killed in Syria ahead of ceasefire deadline
- 3. At least 43 killed in Syria, despite UN criticism
- 4. 19 killed in Syria as ceasefire deadline approaches
- 5. Pilgrims flock to Jerusalem for Easter, Passover
Older Talkback
page: 1
Assad is not the power there....
For Mr. Carter to be successful in his realizing his dream; he should go back 'in memory when he was a president' - To the good old days when he forced Andrew Young 'the US representative at the UN' for being present at a gathering in which there was Mr. Tarazi 'the PLO observer at the UN' - Though they discussed nothing! Mr. Young's being there - Was considered at the time a great sin! On top of that Mr. Carter himself 'apologized' or forced Mr. Young to apologize! If Mr. Carter is really intelligent 'as they say' - He ought to diagnose the types of pressures that had been forced upon him to act as he did! And only after diagnosing them, he should recommend the appropriate treatment and prevention in order not to happen again! Looking at the past, it looks as if all US presidents 'before and after Carter' they all were under some type of a hidden tremendous pressure preventing them from acting as 'America's interest first' ; except for president Dwight David Eisenhower; who was courageous enough October 31st, 1956 to suspend aid to Israel; in protest at Israel's invasion of Egypt in the Suez crisis! After that incident of his 'during his third term in office' no other US President was ever allowed 'by congress' to run for a third time! Enough is/was enough! LOL
A decent man Ex president JC is the only one who dared to do the right thing and try to help the oppressed while the presidential hopefuls are ass licking their Zionist master.
Sue Myric the US senator demanded the removal of JC passport and destroy his charity organization.
A shameless ugly woman who would defend the bulldozing of Rachel Corrie.
page: 1
AdamApr 18th, 2008 - 21:27:52
In order to make progress on these issues someone has to challenge the status quo. Thanks for having the courage to work toward peace despite the fact that the US and Israel aren't ready to consider a peaceful solution at this time. Perhaps someday the arms makers will somehow loose their stranglehold on our political processes and our governments will be open to ending the perpetual conflict for the betterment of all mankind.
Hats off to you President Carter!
Report this comment