Lisbon, 26/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - On the fringe of the informal meeting of Euro-Mediterranean dialogue in Lisbon, EU Council President Jaime Gama, Secretary General of the Council/High Representative Javier Solana and External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten met Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq-al-Shara. The meeting mainly covered the situation in southern Lebanon after Israeli withdrawal (see EUROPE of 25 May, p.6, for reactions from Mr Solana and Mr Patten to the retreat) and the prospects for peace in the region. After the meeting, Mr Gama simply told the press that the Middle East is currently going through a "very delicate, but important moment".