Syria will not mediate on occupied UAE isles

Abu Dhabi: Syria will not mediate between the UAE and Iran over the occupied Emirati islands, President Bashar Al Assad said.

"The issue of the three occupied islands has always been a major issue of discussion at Arab summits, and [should] be resolved through peaceful means between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

He hailed relations between the UAE and Syria and described them as a model of strong bilateral ties. He commended the stands of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, "who maintained good contacts even in difficult times."

He said investments made by UAE companies in Syria reflect the strength of the relations.

Bashar noted that a joint holding company would be set up by both governments.

Meanwhile, the Syrian president admitted he was "not satisfied" at the level of political and economic reforms in his country saying: "There are some circumstances that hinder the reform process."

He revealed that "an advisory council" to be in parallel with the Syrian parliament would be set up by the end of this summer "to speed up reforms."

"We work towards widening the scope of participation by Syrian citizens, including opponents, within the national framework."