DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Asad Wednesday criticized Israeli comments that Turkey acted subjectively in mediating indirect talks between Syria and Israel.
Appearing at a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday in Damascus, al-Asad said that Turkey's attitude was objective "and this is what Israel disliked".
We were pleased with Turkey's mediation and did not refuse the assistance of other countries, al-Asad stressed.
Turkey made great efforts for peace in the Middle East. Turkey is one of the giant actors that play a role for peace in the Middle East, al-Asad noted.
Turkey and Syria do want the establishment of peace in the Middle East. Yet the peace process is not a continuous one. There are ups and downs, al-Asad said.
Everyone is aware of Turkey's attitude on Gaza. Everyone wishes to see an end to the embargo on Gaza. A Turkish convoy passed through Syria and carried humanitarian assistance to Gaza. I thank the Turkish people for their generosity, al-Asad said.
Touching on the agreements signed by Turkey and Syria on Wednesday, al-Asad said that the agreements have placed great responsibility on the two countries.
Of course, the businesspeople of the two countries have an important role to play, al-Asad also said.