Syria Seen as Peacemaker

In articles published over the last several weeks, the official media have repeatedly emphasised that Syria is acting as peacemaker in the region.



In an editorial in the official Al-Thawra newspaper on June 20, editor-in-chief Asad Abbud maintained that President Bashar al-Assad pushed for an end to violence, occupation and settlements during his trip to India this week.



Abbud argued that Syria is not just a party to negotiations with Israel; it is more ready than anyone else for peace and its position is clear.



Syria wants all of its land returned, he wrote, in reference to the Golan Heights which Israel captured in 1967. From there, the peace process will move quickly, Abbud asserted.



In an editorial two days later, Abbud wrote that international confidence in Syria increased after the Doha agreement which ended the political dispute in Lebanon, and start of indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria.



Abbud said Syria would continue down a road that involved no war or intimidation, both in the Arab world and internationally.