PARIS, (SANA) _ Former French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas has described visit of President Bashar al-Assad to Paris as "a significant event that would positively reflect on the two countries' relations and the Middle East peace process."

In an interview with the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) and Syrian T.V. yesterday evening, Dumas indicated to the importance of Syria and its role in solving regional issues, pointing out to the necessity of France to play an active role in the peace process.

He criticized policies that have worked for the pressure on Syria, underlining that it was a wrong way to deal with Syria.

Dumas touched upon the positive changes in the region including Lebanon and the indirect peace negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by Turkish.

In a similar interview, French Writer Richard La Vieriil said that meeting of President al-Assad with his French counterpart Sarkouzy will found for a new stage in the two countries relations and will have a positive impact on all issues of the Middle East.

The writer added: " France plays an important role in issues of the Middle East to return the balance that became disordered because of America's blatant support for Israel," pointing out to the importance of Syrian- French dialogue to achieve security and stability in the region.

He considered the indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel, through Turkish mediation, as a positive matter that must be supported by France and Europe to reach
comprehensive peace in the region.

Ghossoun /