Assad urges active European role in Middle East

Syrian President Bashar Assad on Monday called on Europe to play a "more active role" in Middle East peace efforts. Syria's official news agency said Assad made the plea during a meeting with Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin. SANA said the talks focused on the situation in the region after last month's Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Assad stressed the "importance of activating the European role" in finding solutions in the Mideast.