''We have discussed how to get the Process of Peace from its impasse due to the absence of a serious Israeli Partner seeking indeed to the realization of peace in the Middle East, as we believe and as many in the world share this. Today, we are in front of an illusive partner presenting itself as a player or partner in the process of peace. The reality is diametrically the opposite. If we are to assert this, the Israeli used vocabularies as to manoeuvre in the process of peace are crystal clear.'' said His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad in a joint Press Conference with H.E. Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, December 23, 2009.

 ''The fact is that these terms are numerous, that we have to carry in our pocket a dictionary as to interpret and translate the Israeli used vocabularies in this regard. Thus, when they-the Israelis- say they want negotiations with no preconditions; this means as far as the dictionary, that they want negotiations with no bases! The negotiations with no preconditions, or without the bases, are like a building with no foundations; it can be destroyed very easily, and they want to destroy the process of peace. Further, when they say that the Turkish mediator is biased, it means, as far as international vocabularies or their interpretations and translations internationally, that it- the Turkish mediator- was objective; and that objectivity in the process of peace would but lead to success; and that the success at this time is not required from Israel, as it was in the past! When they –the Israelis- say that peace would restore the land; we, then, have to start the negotiations, and, later on, the land, would come as a result! This means but negotiations in accordance with the Palestinian way, negotiations with no time limit!'' added H.E. President Al-Assad.

 ''The return of the Land is to achieve the peace, and never the opposite. The return of the Land materially following the signature of a peace accord is only a procedural process'' reiterated His Excellency President Al-Assad, asserting that the Turkish mediator has been honest, just, successful and objective, not excluding the need for a help from any interested country, but with no replacement for who has made success in the process of peace.  

''Turkey is one basic part and players in the process of peace. We do not meet today as to ask Mr. Erdogan or to encourage him to play the role of the mediator in the process of peace: Turkey several times and persistently has announced its preparedness as to play this role. Further, Mr. Erdogan has not come as to encourage Syria to commit herself to the process of peace; he knows more than others Syria's zeal for the achievement and accomplishment of the Just and Comprehensive Peace in the Middle East. The world today, as we know, is much more interested in the process of peace; it seems that such interest is because the process is, unfortunately, dying; the process of peace is in need for interest, not only when it fails, but the process is perhaps in need for more interest when it starts to make success or when to kick off; that is why, we always witness fluctuations in this process between the ups, but not high, followed by the quick downs.''

''Whoever contributes to the blockade imposed on Gaza Strip is responsible for the Palestinians' blood.'' underlined H.E. President Al-Assad.

''The signing of the Agreements between Syria and Turkey has redrawn the map of the Middle East and demolished the borders between both countries. The signing of more than 50 accords, documents, and memos, is but a big indication to this effect. These Accords cover different fields including Energy, Security, Diplomacy, Education, Higher Education, Culture, Communications, Housing, Agriculture, Sport, Youth, Local Administration, and other fields. The challenge which starts tomorrow is how to translate the Accords and Memos to real accomplishment on the ground. Of course, businessmen would play a big role to this effect besides State Institutions'' said H.E. President Al-Assad, asserting that the Syrian-Turkish relations, with their strength, achievements, fruits, closeness and depth, have become the leading example for fraternal relations among people and countries, citing the popular support for these relations, not to mention the joint strong will and desire of the leaders of both countries as to draw their joint future.

In reply to a question about a visit by His Excellency to Lebanon and the Turkish role in the recent visit of Lebanese Premier Hariri to Damascus, President Al-Assad said: ''The Turkish role was not in the limelight as to have normal and perfect relations among States, filled with amity and reciprocal respect. With this in mind, last year, the region actually witnessed a big stride through the development of the Syrian-Saudi relations; and recently through the development of the Syrian-Lebanese relations. Within this frame came the successful visit of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Saa'd Hariri to Syria laying down correct institutional bases for the relations with Lebanon. Certainly, I am interested in visiting Lebanon; but in the appropriate time.''