DAMASCUS, (SANA) -US Republican Senator Arlen Specter Sunday described  his meeting with President Bashar al-Assad as very productive.

In a press conference held with Democratic Congressman Patrick Kennedy before leaving Damascus , Specter said "there is no meaning of the whole peace process without restoring Golan to Syria ", adding " this is the essence of the issue and it is fair to say that if Golan will not be returned back ,then there is no agreement.'

"Syrian –Israeli peace negotiations were held on the base of restoring Golan to Syria, and it is important for all sides to work during the current stage towards accomplishing progress in the peace process in the region, Specter said, adding that his current visit to Syria aims at contributing to achieving this goal.

The US Senator expressed conviction that there is an opportunity to realize peace in the region including the Syrian track, considering Syria's participation in Annapolis conference a step on the way to achieve the peace in the region.

Specter spoke about the responsibility assumed by the Congress regarding the issues that affect the US foreign policy.

On Lebanon, Specter pointed out to Syrian–French efforts exerted to find a solution to the Lebanese crisis, affirming that this solution must be based on the concordance among the Lebanese sides along with the help of Syria and France. 

"We understand that the US democracy itself can not be realized in Lebanon and what we aspire for is the democracy of agreement among the Lebanese different sides," He added, noting that Minister al-Moallem briefed them on the efforts exerted by Syria and France to reach agreement among the Lebanese sides to elect the President.

For his part, Representative Kennedy expressed happiness over visiting Syria, describing the meeting with President al-Assad as very important.

Thawra- Mazen