Paris, (SANA)- Member of the French Senate and Head of the French-Syrian Friendship Society Philippe Marini stressed necessity of boosting the bilateral relations between Syria and France, pointing out to the importance of the forthcoming visit by President Bashar al-Assad to Paris in light of the considerable development in the French stance towards Syria.

Senate Marini said in an interview with the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that President Nicolas Sarkozy recognizes well that no peace can be established in the Middle East without the Syrian active role.

He added that he frequently called for France and Europe to play a more active role in bringing about the sought-for peace in the region.

Senator Marini stressed that President Bashar al-Assad is determined to restore the occupied Syrian Golan and exerting great efforts to push the peace process forward.

He stressed France's support to the underway reform and development being witnessed by the country.

Mr. Marini pointed out to the latest changes in the region, including Doha Agreement among the Lebanese, the election of Michel Suleiman as President of Lebanon and the indirect talks between Syria and Israel under Turkish mediation.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA