Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Syria

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister discussed the launch of the direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The Secretary-General stressed the support of the Quartet in helping the parties achieve a final agreement within one year, and the need for a conducive regional environment to help reach that goal.

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister exchanged views on other regional aspects in the Middle East, including the situations in Lebanon and Iraq.