Syrian vice president stresses dialogue best method to solve Mideast issues

Syrian Vice President Najah al- Attar said on Monday that dialogue is the best method to reach a better understanding between countries and find solutions to the problems facing people in the Middle East and the world.

Attar made the remarks in a meeting with a British parliament delegation headed by Labor Party MP John Grogan, according to the official SANA news agency.

"It's necessary for the world to understand the true situation in the Middle East and work to guarantee everyone's rights," Attar was quoted as saying, while praising the role of the British- Syrian Association in enhancing communication between the Syrian and British people.

Answering the delegation's questions on the situation in Iraq, Attar stated that the U.S. occupation there created a fertile ground for terrorism and caused difficult humanitarian situations.

The official pointed out that the solution for the situation in the Middle East lies in changing the U.S. policy and strategy and that Europe can contribute in achieving that.

She added that Syria has an important role to play in solving Middle East issues and that solutions can only be reached via dialogue, and not via isolation and pressure.

At the same time, Attar criticized the international community's silence towards the aggressive Israeli practices against the Palestinian people, affirming that peace in the Middle East requires honest intentions and should be based on the decisions of international legitimacy.

For their part, members of the British lawmaker delegation pointed out to Syria's pivotal role in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, saying that "there can be no peace without Syria."

They also expressed rejection of the policy of isolation and pressure used against Syria, noting that dialogue and mutual work are the best way to resolve the crises affecting the region.

Source: Xinhua