DAMASCUS - President Hafez al Assad of Syria yesterday congratulated President Clinton on his re election and said he expects the US leader to push for an overall Arab Israeli peace settlement.
He hoped the White House would "pursue the efforts begun during your first term towards achieving a fair and comprehensive peace in the region".
"On this occasion, we want to continue the work that we've begun to strengthen bilateral ties in the interest of our peoples ... toward accomplishing a just and comprehensive peace in our region," Mr Assad said. The Syrian president said he has "great regard" for President Clinton's efforts during his first term.