Damascus, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad called upon the US to play a role that guarantees peace and commitment to it, stressing that the real problem is the absence of an Israeli partner ready for peace. President al-Assad's remarks came during his meeting with the US Congressman Alcee Hastings on Thursday.

President al-Assad reviewed latest developments and peace prospects in the region, reiterating Syria's firm stances on peace.

On the Iraqi issue, President al-Assad voiced Syria's support for the security and stability of Iraq, and Syria's interest in its territorial integrity.

President al-Assad called upon the US to have a real comprehensive image regarding the regional issues, given that a partial image cannot help solve them.

For his part, Hastings expressed hope that Syrian-US relations should be enhanced in the interests of the two countries and those of the whole region.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem and the delegation accompanying Congressman Hastings.

Earlier by the end of last month, President al-Assad met with a delegation of US Senate, headed by Senator Judd Gregg and reiterated Syria's call for establishing just and comprehensive peace based on the international legitimate resolutions.

US Congress delegations, the US special envoy for the peace process George Mitchell and Assistant Secretary of State Jeffery Filtman also paid visits to Syria last year.

M.Ismael/ I.Kazhali / Ghossoun/ Idelbi
From sana.sy