DAMASCUS, Syria (FinalCall.com)—The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leading a Peace Mission to the Middle East and Africa, arrived here July 2 and was received by an official Foreign Ministry delegation.

Minister Farrakhan made a State visit to the People’s Palace and was received by Syrian President Bashar al Assad where he briefed the President on the goals of the Peace Mission. He also informed the President on meetings he has had with other heads of state in the region.

The Muslim leader from America discussed with President Assad the condition of Muslims in the United States and the necessity for the reestablishment of the Joint Islamic Arab Unity for the benefit of all Muslims.

President Assad criticized American foreign policy, saying that President Bush lays out a policy going in one direction but leads the government in the opposite direction.

On that day, President Assad also received a U.S. congressional delegation led by Senator Bob Graham of Florida.

Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmed Kuftaro, 91 also received Minister Farrakhan and the delegation,  who offered prayers for the success of the Peace Mission.

The Peace Mission delegation also includes reverends Al Sampson and James L. Bevel, two Christian ministers who were close associates of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The main goals of the Peace Mission are to help resolve the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis and to prevent a U.S. led attack on Iraq and Saddam Hussein.

Photo: Minister Farrakhan speaks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
Credit: Kenneth Muhammad