Syria's president
is calling on Europe to play a "more active role" in Middle East peace efforts, iht news website reported.
Syria's official news agency says Bashar Assad made the plea during a meeting
Monday with Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.
SANA says the talks focused on the situation in the region after last month's
Israeli military offensive in Gaza that killed nearly 1,300 Palestinians.
Thirteen Israelis were also killed.
Assad stressed the "importance of activating the European role" in
finding solutions in the Mideast.
SANA says Assad and Martin underlined the need for Israel to lift its blockade
on Gaza and reopen border crossings.
Last year, Syria and Israel held indirect talks, mediated by Turkey. But the talks made no significant headway.
Syria's Assad urges active European Mideast role
