Disappointment at European Role
Syria Media Report, 07-May-09
Disappointment at European Role
Syria Media Report, 07-May-09
Europe is not playing an effective role in achieving peace in the Middle East because of deference to the United States, said an editorial in the official al-Thawra newspaper on April 27.
The newspaper’s editor-in-chief Asad Abboud said European powers were displaying weakness in the region, and this was not a true reflection of their importance in the region.
Abboud said that while it is normal for European countries to coordinate with other states and remain loyal to their allies, this should not lead to a point where they lose long-term partners – referring to Arab countries in general, and more specifically those on the Mediterranean.
Abboud criticised what he termed the Europeans’ “carrot and stick” policy in the Middle East, arguing that the European Union had offered partnership deals to Syria and other Arab states on the Mediterranean countries merely as an incentive to get them to accede to US policies.
“We do not underestimate the partnership and we are ready for it, but we want far more than that from Europe,” he said.
The writer said his country expected Europe to take a clearer position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and play a more active role in the peace process.
