Syria, Arab League to Continue Holding Talks

Damascus, Oct 27. -Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a ministerial delegation headed by Qatar´s Prime and Foreign Minister, Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani, agreed to continue holding talks on October 30.

Al-Assad received al-Thani, who was accompanied by a delegation comprised of the Secretary General of the Arab League (AL), Nabil al-Arabi, his Deputy Ahmad bin Hili and Foreign Ministers from Egypt, Sudan and Algeria, on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the current situation in Syria.

Some AL member countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia attempted to suspend Syria from this organization on October 16, but failed.

Syria is the target of a media campaign, and of political and economic harassment, which is interpreted here as an attempt to destabilize and weaken the country, mainly because of its defense of Arab resistance and support for the Palestine cause.

The meeting coincided with a demonstration of over a 1.5 million people in Damascus to celebrate Syria's Family Tree Festival, which demonstrated the peoples´ overwhelming support for the Government.

Al-Thani noted that the common interest lies in putting an end to clashes and violence.

The UN, following reports issued by sources of the West, notes that nearly 3,000 people have died since demonstrations began in March, while Damascus insists that only 1,500, mainly soldiers and members of the security corps, have died. (Prensa Latina)