DAMASCUS JANUARY 10, 2009- His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad received Saturday evening a phone call from H. E. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the Prime Minister of Spain, during which the latest developments in Gaza Strip were discussed.

 His Excellency President Al-Assad reiterated that any ceasefire in Gaza should in necessity include the opening of the crossings, and the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Palestinian People in all of  the Strip.

 The conversation also dealt with the efforts exerted as to stop the aggression and massacres perpetrated by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian People in Gaza Strip, especially in light of the Israeli Government insistence to pursue its aggression.

 H. E. Premier Zapatero asserted the firm stance of Spain regarding the necessity for an immediate ceasefire and the alleviating of the suffering of the Palestinian People.