Syria waiting for next US president Sat Jul 12, 5:13 PM ET
PARIS - Syria's president urged France and the United States on Saturday to contribute to efforts toward Syrian-Israeli peace talks, but suggested little progress was likely before the United States elects a new leader.
"In all frankness, this (U.S.) administration is not interested in the peace process. We will not debate this question before the arrival of a new American administration" following November's presidential elections, Bashar Assad told a news conference at the French presidential palace.
Assad's comments threw cold water on speculation about a possible one-on-one meeting between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a summit Sunday bringing together leaders from 43 states in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa to launch a major Mediterranean project.
Overcoming enmity, such as that between Syria and Israel, is a major challenge for the project, the Union for the Mediterranean. Its architect, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, hopes such a union can be a vehicle for bringing peace and prosperity to the volatile region.
Syria and Israel have been conducting indirect talks via Turkish mediators recently in what is seen as a long-awaited sign of progress in relations.
"As soon as the conditions are present, we will pass to the next step: direct negotiations," Assad said Saturday.
"We would like France to participate alongside the United States," he added, saying that Europe should play a greater role in peace efforts. France currently holds the rotating European Union presidency.
Sarkozy, who wants Europe and France involved in the peace process, said Paris is ready to play any role necessary "when the parties are ready."
Sarkozy met with Assad on Saturday in a breakthrough in their countries' relations after years of chill.
Topic: Syria to wait for next US Administration to force Israel into submission (Read 664 times)