Following a summit at the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad told a press conference that the meeting had been successful and constructive. He stressed Syria's support for the Iraqi National Accord, Iraqi unity, and an Iraqi national conference that would resolve all disagreements among Iraqis.

He said that such a conference would require Iraqi dialogue with no foreign intervention, but with regional and international support.  He also underlined his country's support for any Lebanese consensus, and also reiterated Syria's backing for the formation of a Palestinian national unity government.  He added that Russia seeks a greater role in solving the Middle East's problems, saying, "When we talk about Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon, the final objective is to create stability... We agreed on this point."

He added that Russia-Syria economic ties had developed greatly.

As for Syria's response to the Baker-Hamilton Report's recommendation that the U.S. conduct a dialogue with Syria on the situation in Iraq and the Middle East, he said, "We are open to dialogue … but not to taking orders." 

He concluded the press conference by stressing that the aim of his Russia visit was to discuss the political issues of Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine – not military ones. 

Source: Al-Baath and SANA (12/20/06)