Moalem-Dawoodi –Press Conference

Damascus, Nov. 25 (SANA)-

Deputy Foreign Minister, Walid Moalem on Friday announced that Syria reached an agreement with the International Investigation Commission investigating the assassination of Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri , as a compromise for listening to the testimonies of the Syrian five individuals whom the commission asked to listen to them at UN. headquarters in Vienna.

In a press conference jointly held with the Foreign Ministry Legal Advisor , Riad Dawoodi , Moalem said that Syria witnessed in the last few days intensive diplomatic activity represented by the visits and contacts and exchange of messages . Such activity reached its peak yesterday.

He added that in line with what was incorporated in President Bashar al-Assad’s speech on Syria’s commitment to continue cooperating with the International Investigation Commission and in the light of the assurances conveyed to Syria and which came in agreement with what Syria sought of guarantees that respect national sovereignty and the individuals rights. And after having examined the outcome of the Dawoodi’s meeting in Barcelona with Mr. Mehlis on Nov.18^th and inspected the points of agreement between him and Mr. Mehlis particularly the individuals rights which are provided for by international agreements and respect of the Syrian laws , the leadership decided to notify Mr. Mehlis with its agreement on his suggestion as a compromise to have Vienna as the venue for the hearing of the five Syrian individuals whom are required to give their testimonies at the UN. headquarters in Vienna.

Moalem and Dawoodi then answered the questions of the journalists.

Regarding the Syrian position , Moalem said that the Syrian position cannot be described as backing off , because no Syrian official had earlier announced that Syria would not cooperate with the international commission , noting that Syria has got the required assurances which are in concord with what Syria demanded.

Regarding the assurances , Dawoodi said that the assurances substituted any memo of understanding or protocol of cooperation because the issue in hand is not a formality issue .

He added that the written assurances are the assurances which were agreed upon during Barcelona meeting , and were incorporated in the minutes of the meeting and the Syrian government was notified that the things which were agreed upon are ensured .

Regarding the date of the meeting , Dawoodi said that contact will be made with the International Investigation Commission to determine the dates and everything necessary to start the hearing of the individuals.

Moalem indicated that the five Syrian individuals will be accompanied by their lawyers , and will return from Vienna to Damascus following the hearing.

Moalem added that pressures were not behind Syria’s agreement on the venue of the meeting , and the pressures on Syria have been practiced before and after the assassination of Hariri , But Syria who has been exerting pressures in the hunt for the truth.

Regarding the form and kind of assurances Syria has got, Moalem said there were of two kinds and the first of which was agreed upon in Barcelona, and the second came from an important international source and these assurances are identical .

He expressed hope that Mehlis’ report which is scheduled to be submitted on 15^th of next Dec. will be objective and professional.

On a question whether Mehlis may deny Syria’s cooperation, Moalem indicated that this will be up to Mehlis’ conscience , because Syria has never stopped cooperating in the search for the truth , and the Syrian Investigation Commission is continuing work and passes the outcome of its work to Mr. Mehlis through the United Nations.

Regarding the Arab official and popular solidarity with Syria , Moalem said that he personally touched that unlimited official and popular solidarity when he conveyed the president’s messages to the leaders of the countries whom he visited recently ,pointing out that good efforts were exerted by some Arab countries in order to reach what has been accomplished .

Regarding the number of the individuals in question , Moalem said the are only five persons and not six denying any deal to drop any name because Syria is careful to reveal the truth.

Regarding what is being reported with regard to a US.-French-British draft resolution being prepared to impose sanctions on Syria, Moalem said no one can deter injustice if it took place and the UN. Resolution 1636 was unjust as far Syria is concerned.

He added that Syria , in spite of this will be cooperative and so that the hearing in Vienna is considered as an important step to avoid economic sanctions against Syria.

Moalem underlined that Syria’s policies will remain independent and express the interests of her people and the Arab nation, regardless from the pressures of other countries which have other targets in the region.

(SANA)

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