Reuters AlertNet Lite - Italy tells Syria EU visit may help end isolation

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Italy tells Syria EU visit may help end isolation

13 Mar 2007 13:05:51 GMT
Source: Reuters

ROME, March 13 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi told Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday that this week's visit to Damascus by the European Union's top diplomat is a good opportunity to overcome Syria's ostracism by the West.

Prodi talked by telephone with the Syrian president about EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana's visit on Wednesday to a country largely shunned by the West for its alleged role in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese ex-premier Rafik al-Hariri.

"This is a significant chance to work for resumed dialogue between Syria and the European Union and for better cooperation to reduce tension in various troublespots in the Middle East," Prodi told Assad, according to a statement from his office.

Both leaders agreed this weekend's conference of regional and world powers in Baghdad aimed at stopping sectarian violence in Iraq had been a "useful and positive" contribution.

Saturday's meeting was a rare opportunity for Washington and its adversaries Damascus and Tehran to sit together at the same table. Washington accuses Syria and Shi'ite, non-Arab Iran of supporting militants in Iraq, a charge they both deny.

Centre-left leader Prodi has fostered dialogue with Iran and Syria and led peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, taking advantage of Italy's lack of colonial baggage in the Middle East to act as a mediator. He withdrew Italian troops from Iraq last year.

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Last updated:Tue Mar 13 13:07:30 2007