European delegations flocking to Damascus have listened to what the Syrians had to say, but seemed less than totally satisfied, reports Bassel Oudat from Damascus European and American delegations have held high-level talks with Bashar Al-Assad and members of the Syrian government over the past two weeks. First to arrive was a British delegation led by Bill Rammell, minister of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs. Then a US congressional delegation led by Democratic representative Stephen Lynch showed up. Spain's Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini followed. As expected, the talks focussed on Syria's relations with Lebanon, Iran, as well as future talks with Israel. The visitors voiced cautious optimism about Syria's foreign policy. The Italian foreign minister said that Syria is a country with certain clout in the Middle East as well as a considerable political, social and cultural role. He praised Damascus for opening up to dialogue with the outside world and urged it to help consolidate stability and security in the region. The British minister said that he sensed a positive change on Syria's part but added that his government still disagrees with Damascus on certain issues. He added that the UK is interested in maintaining good ties with the Syrian government and in keeping the dialogue going. British Foreign Office Spokesman John Wilkes said that the talks were held in an atmosphere of "goodwill" and that the UK was interested in Syria's point of view. Mostly, the European delegations seemed interested in finding out how far the Syrians were ready to help disentangle regional problems. And their tone mostly reflected that of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who advises dialogue rather than isolation and threats. Europe seems to be pleased with the flexibility Syria has shown on more than one front. Damascus has initiated indirect talks with Israel, monitored closely its borders, and talked to the Iraqi government, and generally treated Lebanon with respect. Europe would like to see Damascus do more; for example, distance itself from Iran and rein in militant Palestinian and Lebanese groups. But for the moment, the Europeans are adopting a softer tone with Damascus, mindful that years of pressuring and sanctions produced little result. Syria is also being encouraged to improve its ties with major Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. Frattini came quickly to the point, noting that Tehran's influence in Syria was a cause for European alarm. He called on Syria to do more for regional peace and security, hinting that this can only be achieved in close cooperation with major Arab states rather than with Iran. While ruling out as unlikely an immediate estrangement between Syria and Iran, the Italian foreign minister expressed hope that Syria and Israel would move on to direct talks. For its part, Damascus made it clear that it was interested in stability and security in the Middle East, and called on Europe to play an active role in regional peace. Syrian pro-government political analysts seemed pleased with the current exchanges, hailing them as a victory for Syrian diplomacy. Emad Fawzi Al-Shoeibi, a political analyst known for his close ties to the Syrian authorities, said that Syria was not in the habit of "negotiating under pressure or bowing to dictates." He voiced relief that a "perilous page" has been turned in Syrian history and hope that a new "regional-international equation" would eventually take shape. Damascus must be relieved to see senior European and American officials show up at its door following four years of estrangement. And Syrian officials are certainly hoping that the current dialogue would lead to an end of US sanctions that have taken their political and economic toll on the country. Many believe that the Syrians have enough motives to pursue the current dialogue. For one thing, they don't want their foes to turn the investigation of Rafik Al-Hariri's assassination into a political crucifixion of Damascus. And they want Washington to come aboard as a sponsor of the Syrian- Israeli talks. Still, much would need to happen before the differences between Syria and the West are bridged. Although European delegations praised the new approach Damascus is taking towards Lebanon, they want to see more done. Europe wants to see closer exchanges taking place between Lebanese and Syrian political and civil societies. They want to see the borders drawn, the issue of Lebanese detainees in Syria addressed, and the matter of Palestinian weapons in Lebanon sorted out. Syria knows what the West wants. Damascus knows that before further progress is made, it would have to meet further demands. The Italian foreign minister said that Syria could have done more to encourage the Hamas leaders to seek peace. Europe in general expects Syria to rein in hardline Palestinians. Damascus seems to be getting the message. It has, for example, brought down the pitch of its rhetoric to a point close to that of moderate Arab countries. But as Europe asks for more, Damascus may not be in a hurry to oblige. Before giving up their bargaining chips, the Syrians want to make sure of what they'll be getting in return.
