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Peace negotiations

Clinton and Assad Agree to Speed Up Middle East Peace Process

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US President Bill Clinton and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad met in Damascus, pledging to accelerate the peace process between Israel and Syria. Assad expressed willingness to establish normal relations with Israel in exchange for the full return of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel in 1967. The two leaders expressed optimism about the prospects of peace, with Clinton stating that they made progress towards securing peace between Israel and Syria. Their talks were also expected to cover neighboring Lebanon, where Syria wields significant influence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Assad stated that Syria is ready to establish normal relations with Israel in exchange for the return of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel in 1967.
  • The two leaders agreed to speed up the Middle East peace process, with Clinton stating that they made progress towards securing peace between Israel and Syria.
  • The talks also covered neighboring Lebanon, where Syria is the main power broker.
  • Clinton pressed PLO leader Yasser Arafat on the need to combat Islamic militants in Gaza and the West Bank town of Jericho.
  • Arafat gave a "very clear, unambiguous response" in the affirmative.
  • Syria remains listed by the US as a country supporting terrorism, though relations have improved in recent years.
  • Clinton is expected to raise the issue of Syria's backing for Palestinian radical groups with Assad.
  • Gulf Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, are expected to come under pressure to make peace with Israel following Clinton's Middle East visit.
  • The GCC states prefer to wait for the conclusion of peace talks between Syria and Israel before normalizing their ties with Israel.

Statistics:

  • 1967: The year Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria.
  • 20 years: The length of time since a US President last visited Syria before Clinton's visit.
  • 3 hours: The length of talk between Clinton and Assad in Damascus.
  • 2 meetings: The total number of meetings between Clinton and Assad, including their meeting in Geneva in January.
  • 6 nations: The number of countries Clinton visited during his Middle East swing.
  • 46 years: The length of the state of war between Israel and Jordan until the signing of the historic treaty.
  • 35,000: The estimated number of Syrian troops in Lebanon.
  • 2 leaders: The number of leaders who shook hands and smiled as Clinton visited the region.

Sources:

  • [Reuter]
  • [AP]
  • [AFP]
  • [Gulf Arab countries]

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