"An ambassador is important," Assad said. "Sending these delegations is important. This number of congressmen coming to Syria is a good gesture. It shows that this administration wants to see dialogue with Syria. What we have heard from them – Obama, Clinton and others – is positive." But he added: "We are still in the period of gestures and signals. There is nothing real yet."...
Underlining his hopes for a significant shift from Washington, the Syrian leader said he would welcome a visit to Damascus by General David Petraeus, the head of US central command, to discuss collaboration over Iraq and other issues. A planned visit by Petraeus was blocked by the Bush White House.
"We would like to have dialogue with the US administration. We would like to see him [Petraeus] here in Syria," Assad said....
Assad also urged the US and Europe to engage with Iran and not to pin false hopes for change on this summer's presidential elections. "This is an Iranian issue," he said. "In Iran there is unity about the main national issues. Forget about the rhetoric. "I would say to Obama and the Europeans: 'Don't waste your time on this. Go and make dialogue.' The only way is to go for direct engagement."...."
Assad's interview in the Guardian, here
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