Egypt is said to have issued a pledge to help Syria in any war against Israel, reported Middle East Newslink, quoting Arab diplomatic sources.
The sources told the news service that the pledge was relayed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa during his visit earlier this week to Damascus. The pledge was later reiterated during Moussa’s talks in Saudi Arabia.
The message was also echoed by Egyptian diplomats. "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is playing with fire and he will be the first one to be burned by it," Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdel Meguid said.
The sources said the Egyptian pledge was meant to assuage Syrian fears of an Israeli attack.
ASSAD SAYS ISRAELI RACISM IS 'BEYOND THE NAZIS'
Syrian President Bashar Assad, on a visit to Spain, has once again said that Israelis who voted for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon were of a society "more racist than Nazis." He quoted Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef as saying God regretted creating Arabs - whom the rabbi referred to as "vipers." The prominent Jewish leader last month called for killing Arabs with missiles, according to reports.
Assad said Syria would not sign a peace agreement with Israel before the Palestinians and called for a comprehensive settlement. Assad was accompanied by his wife, Asma, and by Foreign Minister Farouk Shara. Asma Assad is expected to visit telecommunications centers to consider the application of advanced technology in Syria, said Haaretz.
"All we have seen shows that the Israelis have no time for peace with the Arab nations," Assad said. He said he would meet with an Israeli prime minister only to sign a peace agreement.
Assad called on Europe to increase its involvement in the Middle East peace process and said Syria was still waiting to see how President George W. Bush dealt with the region.
Israel in April raided Syrian radar posts in Lebanon, and the Arab country said it “reserved its right to retaliation,” although Assad has ruled out that possibility.
Israel has held Syria responsible for Hizbollah attacks along the Lebanese border – Albawaba.com
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