Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday expressed the hope for "a constructive dialogue with the United States based on common interests and mutual respect" during the tenure of the new U.S. President Barack Obama.
Assad made the goodwill gesture in a congratulation cable to Obama who took office on Tuesday as the 44th president of the United States, saying the dialogue could lead to a just and comprehensive peace in the region based on UN resolutions, according to the official SANA news agency.
Assad congratulated Obama on "assuming office... and his success in declaring his policy which affirmed 'desire to achieve peace around the world' and 'resort to hope rather than fear' as basis for political approaches," said the report.
During the years of former U.S. President George W. Bush, Syria had been bearing the mark of a "rogue state" and under continuous U.S. isolation and economic sanctions.