British FM to work with Syrian FM for ME stability

Milliband, Moallem meet in London, resolve to work together for stability in region on basis of "common interests."

By JONNY PAUL, JPOST CORRESPONDENT IN LONDON
Walid Moallem 248 88 (photo credit: AP [file])
Walid Moallem 248 88
(photo credit: AP [file])
British Foreign Secretary David Milliband met with his Syrian counterpart in London on Monday afternoon, with both expressing their shared resolve to work together for stability in the region on the basis of "their common interests." Milliband welcomed Walid Moallem to London and in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry said that they had "an open, useful and constructive discussion on the bilateral relationship and on the wider Middle East." During the talks, the foreign ministers discussed the historic agreement between Syria and Lebanon to establish diplomatic relations. Both underlined the importance of Syria and Lebanon building on this agreement, including exchanging ambassadors as soon as possible and beginning work on demarcating their common border. Both ministers looked forward to successful, transparent, fair and safe elections in Lebanon next year, as well as full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Both sides underlined the importance of a comprehensive Middle East peace process. Milliband welcomed the progress that has been made in the indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria, mediated by Turkey. The ministers agreed that these talks had helped ease tensions in the region and that it was vital that they continue as part of a reinvigorated and inclusive peace process. The two ministers also discussed progress and ongoing challenges in Iraq, noting the burden on Syria posed by a substantial number of Iraqi refugees in that nation. Milliband welcomed the Syrian government's decision to appoint an ambassador to Iraq. Both he and Moallem agreed that this was a significant step which should lead to strengthened bilateral relations between Damascus and Baghdad. Both agreed that improved relations between Syria and Iraq were in the interests of regional stability. Discussing the recent incident on the Syria-Iraq border, the British Foreign Minister said it was the longstanding position of the British government to "regret any civilian casualties." They also agreed that tackling al-Qaida, and Jihadi groups inspired by it, was a high priority and agreed to work more closely together to tackle this threat. Milliband offered his condolences to the Syrian government for a September 27 bombing in Damascus.