Clinton and Assad Meet in Geneva to Discuss Middle East Peace

Strategic Insights -

U.S. President Bill Clinton and Syrian President Hafez Assad met for over 5 hours in Geneva, engaging in a comprehensive discussion about Middle East peace. The meeting marked a significant step towards achieving a "peace of the brave" in the region, with the U.S. and Syria pledging to support the process initiated in Madrid in 1991. Key areas of focus included a formal peace agreement with Israel, with Syria expressing willingness to consider full diplomatic recognition of Israel, and U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq Sharaa agreeing to work towards better relations between the two countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. and Syria committed to supporting the "peace of the brave" process initiated in Madrid in 1991.
  • The two nations agreed to work towards a formal peace with Israel, going beyond an end to state-sponsored terrorism.
  • Syria expressed willingness to consider full diplomatic recognition of Israel.
  • The U.S. Secretary of State and Syrian Foreign Minister will work towards improving relations between the two countries.
  • Unresolved issues included the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, Syria's harboring of terrorists, and its links to Iran and Hezbollah extremists.
  • All parties involved acknowledged the need for further diplomatic work to achieve a peace agreement.

Statistics:

  • The meeting lasted for over 5 hours.
  • The U.S. and Syria have pledged to work together on achieving a "peace of the brave" in the Middle East.
  • The Madrid peace process initiated in 1991 remains a cornerstone of discussions between the U.S. and Syria.
  • The Golan Heights were occupied by Israel in 1967 and "annexed" in 1981.
  • Israel seeks a Syrian pledge for normal diplomatic relations, U.S. guarantees of security, and a slow withdrawal timetable.

Sources:

  • Maintained by Newsedge, Inc. (no publication date mentioned)
  • Quote from Hafez Assad: "For all the people who gave their lives, we need peace, real peace, real peace that will live and guarantee happiness and comfort for all these people."
  • Quote from Bill Clinton: "It is within our power to create the conditions for Isreali and Arab to live together in peace. Today's meeting was an important step to fulfilling that vision. We have a lot of work to do, but we are closer to our goal." (Newsedge, Inc.)
  • Statement by Hafez Assad: "Yes, we are ready to sign peace now. If the leaders of Isreal are to agree to this peace, a new era will start for all the people in the region." (Newsedge, Inc.)
  • Quote from Warren Christopher: "We pledge today to work together to bring the negotiations that started in Madrid...to a prompt and successful conclusion." (Newsedge, Inc.)
  • Statement by U.S. officials: "Progress elusive on Syria's harboring of terrorists." (Newsedge, Inc.)