Developments in the Middle East were the topic of discussion between Greek President of the Republic Costis Stefanopoulos and his Syrian counterpart Mr. Assad in Athens, in the framework of the Syrian President's four-day formal visit. Specifically, discussions included Syria's proposal for the complete elimination of the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. In his statements, Mr. Assad spoke warmly of Greece, which he characterized the “gate of Syria and all Middle Eastern countries to Europe”.