BRUSSELS, Oct 19 (AFP) - The European Union and Syria Tuesday initialled an association agreement that commits both sides to work towards free trade -- as well as against weapons of mass destruction and terrorism.
Syria was the only Mediterranean country in the EU's "Barcelona process" -- launched in 1995 with the aim of bolstering trade and political ties in the region -- not to have concluded an association agreement thus far.
The question of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction had until now hampered a closure to the accord.
Syria is the object of international suspicion particularly in Washington for its military and political involvement in neighbouring Lebanon as well as its alleged support for Islamic terrorism.
But the EU's executive commission said the association negotiations were now complete and both sides had initialled the document ready for its approval by their respective governments and parliaments.
The accord commits the EU and Syria "to conduct regular political dialogue on international issues of common interest, fostering mutual understanding and promoting the convergence of views".
It includes "essential provisions on respect for the democratic principles and fundamental human rights, cooperation to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and anti-terrorism".
On the economic front, the agreement foresees the creation of a free-trade area between the EU and Syria as part of the larger goal of a "Euro-Mediterranean" free-trade zone by 2010.
It also provides for cooperation in social and cultural matters, as well as joint work against crime and illegal immigration.