Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Otri on Thursday voiced pessimism over chances of achieving peace in the Middle East, saying peace became out of reach due to Israel's stubbornness and violation of the international laws and charters, Xinhua reported.
Otri' statements came during a speech to the 57th International Damascus Fair, which kicked off in the Syrian capital on Wednesday. The Syrian premier also slammed Israeli policies that included confiscating Palestinian lands, building settlements, imposing a siege on the Palestinians and attacking the international pro- Palestinians activists.
"Peace is a process based on the presence of two partners. It cannot be achieved by one side," Otri said.
He also stressed that the economic blockade policy adopted against some counties has been futile and must be lifted due to its negative effects on these states' peoples.
On Monday, Israel approved building new settlement in East Jerusalem, which outraged the Palestinians who want the city to be the capital of their future independent state.