Syrian President Bashar Assad cut short a visit to China in order to avoid meeting Trade Minister Ehud Olmert, who is also visiting the country, according to diplomatic sources in China.
Just call him Dr. ’Worm’ ASSad
The sources added that Chinese leaders wish to take part in the international diplomatic efforts concerning the Middle East, and have therefore tried to arrange a meeting between the Syrian leader and the Israeli deputy prime minister. However, Assad refused to cooperate, cancelled a planned visit to Shanghai and returned to Damascus.
| Nice to see the Chinese as successful with the Middle East as they are with North Korea. |
Olmert and Israel’s ambassador to China said they had no knowledge of any planned meeting with Assad. Olmert on Thursday gave a speech at a business banquet in Beijing. he is leading a 200-strong Israeli trade delegation as part of a push by Israel to boost trade and seek new markets for its high-tech products. Also on Thursday, Israeli telecommunications company RAD signed cooperation agreements with two Chinese firms. Israel’s ties with China have recovered from a botched arms deal four years ago and trade is set for firm growth, Olmert said. |