SYRIA

That this House welcomes the recommendation made by the Iraq Study Group that an Iraq International Support Group should be formed which would actively enter into diplomatic dialogue with Syria; believes that it is only by engaging with Syria that President al-Assad and his administration may be encouraged to play a more positive role in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East; notes the Prime Minister's assertion that there are some signs that Syria is prepared to help in this regard; further notes President al-Assad's open offer of unconditional talks with Israel; considers the recent summit held between Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and President al-Assad as a timely reminder of the value of diplomacy as the previously estranged countries of Iraq and Syria `stressed their determination to work jointly and do everything that would fight and uproot terror'; recognises that before Syria can contribute fully to securing peace and stability in the region it must co-operate completely with the investigations into the assassinations of public figures within Lebanon and cease any support of facilitation networks; but nevertheless urges the Government to make the first positive steps in engaging with President al-Assad and his administration at a Ministerial level.