"In this regard, Syria expresses in every occasion its readiness to establish a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy resolutions," President al-Assad said in a meeting of al-Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party's Central Committee.

President al-Assad, the Regional Secretary of the al-Ba'ath Party headed the meeting during which he discussed with members of the central committee the situation of the party and difficulties which obstructed implementation of its plans and programs as well as achievements in the last year.

On reports talking about efforts exerted by some friendly sides to make contacts between Syria and Israel, the President said "There are efforts being exerted in this direction," adding "the efforts are not new and we have mentioned them in a previous occasion."

"Syria rejects secret talks or contacts with Israel… what could Syria do in this regard will be announced to the public opinion in Syria and the only criterion to accept any talks is to be serious and committed to UN resolutions," President al-Assad said.

He added "the success of the Arab Summit of Damascus was a success for the Arabs and their adherence to solidarity as well as for us in Syria."

"It was a success for every one who believes in the Arab capability of defeating what is being fabricated against the Arabs," the President said.

President Al-Assad went on to say that the pan-Arab thought adopted by al-Ba'ath party is an embodiment of the Arab nation unity and Arab peoples' will in independence and unity as well as it is the only way to achieve the Arab nation interests, particularly during this difficult stage which witnesses dangers of division and partition.

"It is important to develop and integrate mechanisms of the party's work to interact with all citizens and realize unity of stance and vision regarding different issues tackled by the Party and government," the President said.

President al-Assad underlined the importance of providing atmospheres of freedom, positive and constructive criticism, frankness and transparency by all individuals and institutions because this enables them to know real problems and their solutions.

He called for keeping contacts with the citizens' living standards and concerns and not hesitating in indicating to situations of corruption and faults.

President al-Assad also referred to the need for making an objective and accurate evaluation to what has been achieved of developmental plans in the service, economic and social fields and to tackle any negative situation in the party's performance.

"We are exerting efforts to raise the level of our performance and ease negative effects of international developments on our local situation as a result of some international irrational policies which led to wide waves of increasing prices," President al-Assad said.

Source: By Mazen SANA - International Copyright© 2006-2007, SANA