German conservative politicians lash out at Foreign Minister Steinmeier for inviting his Syrian counterpart - je 18.1.2008 16

German conservative politicians have lashed out at Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier for inviting his Syrian counterpart to Berlin this week. Other Western countries such as the U.S. and France have sought to isolate Syria for its support for Hizbollah and Hamas. Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, says dialogue with Damascus is key to forging regional peace.