Assad aide: We won't cut ties with Hizbullah, Iran

Emissary close to Syrian president says no one can rule Damascus without the Golan being a priority.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
assad 224 88 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
assad 224 88 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
A source close to Syrian President Bashar Assad claimed Syria will not sever its ties with Hizbullah and Iran, even in the framework of a peace agreement with Israel, Army Radio reported Wednesday. In an interview on Hizbullah's Al-Manar satellite television station Tuesday night, Dr. Samir Al-Taki said that "it would be naïve to think we'd neglect our strategic alliances which do not stem from the Arab-Israeli conflict." Referring the concept of Israeli withdrawal from the Golan, he said that "no one can rule in Damascus without holding the release of the [Golan Heights] as a priority." According to Army Radio, Dr. Taki, a cardiologist, is the Syrian representative handling his government's indirect contact with Israel.