ANKARA - Diplomatic sources said on Monday that Turkey might undertake a ''facilitative'' role between Syria and Israel instead of a mediatory role.
Syrian President Bashar al-Asad came to Turkey on Monday for an official visit as guest of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
Diplomatic sources said that Middle East issue would be taken up during Al-Asad's visit to Turkey.
The sources stated that Turkey might undertake a ''facilitative'' role between Syria and Israel instead of a mediatory role.
In this context, Ankara could carry messages between those two countries, the sources pointed out.
Al-Asad, the first Syrian president who is paying a visit to Turkey after 57 years of interval, and his wife will visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic.
Syrian President Al-Asad will be welcomed by an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
Following tete-a-tete meeting and meeting between Turkish and Syrian delegations, Al-Asad will meet with Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
President Sezer will host a dinner in honor of Syrian President Bashar al-Asad.
On the second day of his visit to Turkey, Al-Asad will receive Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal and Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok.
Al-Asad will also meet with ambassadors of Arab countries to Turkey on the second day of his visit to Turkey.
Three agreements, including an agreement on prevention of double taxation, encouragement of investments, and sixth tourism protocol, will be signed during Al-Asad's meetings.
Economic issues, bilateral relations and regional issues are expected to be taken up during meetings of Al-Asad.
Al-Asad will proceed from Ankara to Istanbul on Wednesday and meet with Syrians living in Turkey and Turkish businessmen in Istanbul.
(BRC-AÖ) 06.01.2004