DAMASCUS - Syria on Tuesday said it would not change its policy as demanded by some Western countries in relation to the Lebanese crisis, noting that attempts to isolate the country had been futile. Comments to this effect were published in an editorial in Syria's government-controlled al-Thawra newspaper ahead of the arrival Tuesday of European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

"Actually, Syria did not change its policies simply because it has been proven that those policies are correct and do not need any change," the newspaper said.

"The others should make the demanded changes because they were wrong," according to the front-page editorial that did not give names.

Solana was expected to arrive in Damascus later Tuesday as part of a three-nation tour that has taken him to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia for talks on the Lebanese crisis and the Middle East peace process.

He was expected to meet Syrian officials to discuss ways of improving relations between Syria and the EU that soured in the aftermath of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

His visit is seen as a break of the unannounced isolation of Syria, especially since it follows a recent conference in Baghdad that drew representatives from the United States, Syria and Iran.

Lebanese political parties are divided on the question of ties with Syria, with some blaming Syria for Hariri's death on February 14 2005.

Syria has also been accused of meddling in Lebanon's internal affairs and of facilitating the infiltration of fighters into Iraq to fight US-led coalition troops.

Syria has repeatedly denied such charges

Western officials stopped visiting Damascus after Hariri's death and urged Syria to change its policy prior to getting engaged in any direct dialogue with it.

"It has become crystal clear that Syria couldn't be isolated. The award which it (Syria) has won is a recognition of its role, but it doesn't feel satisfied with that," al-Thawra said.

The newspaper stressed that Syria wanted the return of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, adding that the country was "fully confident that the real awards are coming."

It said some countries couldn't be convinced for a long time that the policy of isolating Syria is useful for any party, while the U.S. had drowned in its own faults and was now stretching out a hand for help.

Syria's former information minister, Madhi Dakhlallah, described the country's role in the region as "indispensable", adding that the policy of isolating Syria has proved futile.

"We want a frank, genuine and open dialogue with Europe. We also want a partnership with the European Union," he said. But, he added, these should "recognise our national stands and interests."

Legislator, Suleiman Hadad, meanwhile, said Europe had committed a "big mistake" by isolating Syria. "If Europe wants a solution to the Middle East crisis, it should pass through Damascus," he said.

Syria was ready to discuss all issues with Solana and would exert all efforts to help bring about an overall and lasting peace in the region. -DPA