Muallem Warns Against Excessive Optimism

The Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said that the era of the U.S. elected President Barack Obama will be different, but warned against excessive optimism about its future policies.

In an interview with the Qatarian newspaper "Al-Sharq" Muallem said, "The era of Obama will be different from that of President George W. Bush for a simple reason, the failure of Bush's internal and external policy, one of the very reasons Obama won." He added, "We hope, without being overly optimistic, that a comprehensive and just peace in the region will be a priority of the administration of President Obama."

In relation to the nomination of Rahm Emanuel for the post of White House chief of staff, Muallem said, "Those who believe that there is a lack of balance in the U.S. commitment to Israel are dreaming." He added, "If the Americans and Israelis realize that the interests of Israel and its security is only possible if it withdraws from occupied Arab territory and guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people, then, Emanuel and others in Obama's administration have to seek a just and comprehensive peace as a favor to Israel before anyone else."

The Syrian foreign minister said, "The Syrian-Israeli talks are still in the process of building a firm stepping stone to direct negotiations and the ball is in the Israeli court. The Israelis realize exactly what they must do."