Addressing the opening of the second regular session of the Arab Interim Parliament (AIP), he said Iraq’s stability was vital for regional security and this could only be achieved by ending "foreign occupation" and reaching national conciliation, thereby guaranteeing the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The president reiterated his support for all efforts for conciliation among the Iraqi political parties, and underscored the importance of a solid Arab stance toward ending the "occupation" of Iraq.
He said the recent American "aggression" on Syria was proof of the security threat that foreign forces posed in the region.
On the Palestinian front, Al-Assad expressed support for dialogue among the factions and consolidation for their efforts to establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, while guaranteeing the right of return.
As for peace, he said "peace is for the strong," adding that the peace process remained a priority for Arab states.
On Sudan, he condemned foreign intervention in the Arab state’s affairs and supported the government in Khartoum in it’s strife to find a solution to the humanitarian problem in Darfur.
As for Lebanon, Al-Assad expressed content with the positive atmosphere that prevailed following the Doha Conference, which placed the framework for national conciliation.
