Paris, (SAN) – President Bashar al-Assad discussed with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in his residence in Paris on Sunday the latest developments in the Middle East, including the indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel under Turkish mediation.

Mr. Ki-Moon expressed content over the positive developments of the situation in the region, pointing out to the very positive atmosphere that followed the meeting between President al-Assad and Sarkozy and the quartet Summit.

The UN chief also voiced appreciation over Syria's stances in supporting the implementation of Doha Agreement articles and the formation of the national unity government in Lebanon as well as the announcement by President al-Assad on the moves to establish diplomatic relations with Lebanon after the completion of the necessary.

In this regard, President al-Assad said the relations between Syria and Lebanon existed very long time ago, pointing out that the main problem for the two countries leis in the Israeli occupation of parts of their lands.

President al-Assad stressed that ending the Israeli occupation of the Arab lands is essential for giving the peace a real opportunity in our region, pointing out to the importance of the UN resolutions which call for the restoration of the lands and rights to their owners.

For his part, Mr. Ki-Moon welcomed the indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel, expressing pleasure that Syria had committed to all of what she had already announced.

He added that the Syrian stances are clear and didn't change, and works for the region's security and stability.

On the Palestinian issue, the two sides stressed necessity of achieving the Palestinian national accord and it importance in establishing peace in the region and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and the delegation accompanying the UN secretary General.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA