| ID | 100343 |
| Title Proper | Middle East before and after D A Medvedev's visit to Syria |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Rostokin, S |
| Publication | 2010. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | ON MAY 11, 2010, the temperature in Damascus was significantly higher than average. Nevertheless, 37 degrees Celsius did not affect the program of the Russian president's visit. As planned, D.A. Medvedev and Bashar Assad met in the afternoon on the main street of the "old town,'' known two millennia ago as Via Recta.
From the place where the historical street reaches the Eastern Gate (Bab Sharqi), the Russian and Syrian presidents walked to the St. Ananias Chapel. In a narrow side street, packed with antique shops and restaurants, people were coming out from their apartments on upper floors to greet D.A. Medvedev and B. Assad. The atmosphere was extremely relaxed and informal.
It was the first time that the presidents communicated with each other, without a translator, on common topics. B. Assad told his guest about the unique history of old Damascus, the oldest capital in the modern world. The walk probably became the culmination of the visit, emphasizing the remarkable level of personal trust that the two countries' leaders had achieved in their relations. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Affairs (Moscow) Vol. 56, No. 5; 2010: p.120-127 |
| Journal Source | International Affairs (Moscow) Vol. 56, No. 5; 2010: p.120-127 |
| Key Words | Syria ; Russia ; Medvedev ; Damascus ; Assad |