PRESIDENTS AL-ASSAD/ PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD CONFERENCE (February 25, 2010)
DAMASCUS, Feb. 25th, 2010- ''The signing of the visa-waiver agreement -between Syria and Iran today- is to lead to the more of communication and solidification of joint interests between the Syrian and Iranian People,'' declared His Excellency President Bashar Al-Al-Assad in a joint press conference with His Iranian Counterpart, H.E. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
H.E. President Al-Assad added following His talks with President Ahmadinejad: '' a genuine relation between two countries and people starts from individuals, and from the base upwards to the top, and not vice versa. I do think that this agreement would push the relations -between Syria and Iran- and bolster them at all levels, and in every sector, with no exception.''
''We, on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, may evaluate the political situation. We view that the outcome during the past years and decades transitions; notwithstanding the big disappointments and failures to which the region, its people and governments were exposed, has been in favour of the region resistant forces, which have resisted, defended their rights, and believed in these rights and in the causes of their people, abilities, and capabilities. The failure has been the outcome for the forces standing on the opposite side.'' declared His Excellency President Al-Assad.
''Our talks covered ,beside the issue of bilateral relations, other issues present in our political arena: Iraq and the forthcoming elections there and their impact on the political process, as well on stability, and the withdrawal of occupation troops later, with its influence on the region future in general. Further, we talked about the crimes of Israel, its terrorism, and how to face this terrorism. We also talked about the resistance condition in the region and how to support these resistant forces; it goes without saying to state that this support is but a moral, and national duty in every homeland, and a religious obligation, now that we celebrate today a religious occasion.'' said His Excellency President Al-Assad.
''I have been briefed by My Brother, President Ahmadinejad, on the Iranian stance regarding the Iranian Nuclear Issue. I do not say what I would say in light of what I have heard from President Ahmadinejad, but on the basis of what I have heard from Western Officials during the few past weeks and months: we believe ,without any slight doubt, that what is taking place- as far as Iran's nuclear issue- is but a new colonization of the region, a hegemony through forbidding an independent, UN member State and signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, seeking to acquire peaceful nuclear power on the bases of these Treaties, from having its right to enrichment, though of the seen Iranian flexibility during the past two months as far as this issue! The subject is pre-planned: it is forbidden for Islamic Countries to possess this technology, or other types of technology; that is to say, we are denied the right to knowledge,'' added His Excellency President Al-Assad.
In reply to a question about the Israeli recent threats against Syria, H.E. President Al-Assad said: ''these threats did not emerge from an isolated state, and should never be viewed as an isolated state. We have to view these threats in the light of the Israeli history, based on treason, aggression, occupation, expansion, and hegemony. The Israeli declarations to launch an aggression do not mean that Israel is to launch an aggression; and the Israeli non-declarations of launching a war do not mean that Israel would not launch an aggression. So, it is a mistake to evaluate such a case in light of the declarations, and possibilities. We face an entity which is perhaps to launch an aggressive action any time, as long as its history is based on aggression. A part from these declarations, we always prepare ourselves for an Israeli aggression, be it a small or a large-scale one. We have to be ready every time and in every minute for whatever Israeli aggression to take place for any reason, and under whatever pretext.''
''We are in more need for the bolstering of bilateral relations in the interest of stability. We hope that others would NOT give us lessons about our region or about our history. We do define how matters are to head; and are aware of our interests. We thank them for their pieces of advice.'' said His Excellency President Al-Assad in reply to a question about US State Department recent remarks regarding a need for distancing Syria from Iran.
Edited & Translated by
Mohamad Abdo Al-Ibrahim
Damascus, February 25, 2010.
