Arabs must 'build on white spots'

Abu Dhabi: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad described the situation in the Arab region as "black" except for "a few white dots."

"This dark situation should not prevent us from being optimistic, and look for the light spots to build on them," he said.

He said the success of the Arab Summit, held in Damascus in March, has "sparked an atmosphere of optimism" among the Arabs.

"The Doha Agreement also stands as evidence of the ability of Arab leaders to resolve their problems," he said.

Arabs were more divided on the diagnosis of problems in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon five years ago, but today they are more united, he said.

"Arab summits will no longer have mere speeches, but will adopt practical methods with closed-door sessions to discuss the Arab nations' woes and bring views closer on those problems for solutions," he said.