ASSAD URGES US TO ASSUME MORE CENTRAL ROLE IN MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS

The Jerusalem Post

January 7, 2010 -

Associated Press LINK

Syrian President Bashar Assad on Thursday urged the United States to play a stronger role in Mideast peacemaking, Syria's state-run news agency reported.

Assad appealed to the US during a meeting with US congressman Alcee Hastings in Damascus.

Syria's president also lashed out at Israel saying it was not ready for peace.

The last round of Syria-Israel peace talks collapsed in 2000.