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"We have already stated what our position is with regard to sitting down with Hamas," he said.
The United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia -- the so-called diplomatic quartet on the Middle East -- insist Hamas recognize the state of Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and respect past accords.
"And Hezbollah, which is also a terrorist organization, needs to renounce violence and be a productive player in the region," Wood said. "These two groups have not."
"We call on Syria to use its influence to make these two groups play a much more -- play a constructive role in the region," he added.
In an interview with French television, Assad urged the United States on Sunday to reach out to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Lebanon's Shiite Muslim Hezbollah in order to boost chances for Middle East peace.
Speaking to France 3, Assad welcomed what he said was a new willingness in Washington to listen to Syria's views since President Barack Obama took office, and said Damascus was ready to help broker contacts with the groups.
Assad said Washington's stance on the two groups was counterproductive if it wanted to seek regional peace, but said the "problem was with the previous administration" of president George W. Bush.
Assad called for "direct or indirect" talks between Washington and Hamas, and added: "When they want to have help with these parties, any contact direct or indirect with Syria, and maybe direct, we are ready to help."
He also welcomed Obama's decision to send envoys to open a tentative dialogue with Syria.
Last week, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she had sent two diplomats to Syria, but Washington remains cautious in its dealings with a government that has close ties to Iran and to hardline armed groups.
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The United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia -- the so-called diplomatic quartet on the Middle East -- insist Hamas recognize the state of Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and respect past accords.
"And Hezbollah, which is also a terrorist organization, needs to renounce violence and be a productive player in the region," Wood said. "These two groups have not."
"We call on Syria to use its influence to make these two groups play a much more -- play a constructive role in the region," he added.
In an interview with French television, Assad urged the United States on Sunday to reach out to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Lebanon's Shiite Muslim Hezbollah in order to boost chances for Middle East peace.
Speaking to France 3, Assad welcomed what he said was a new willingness in Washington to listen to Syria's views since President Barack Obama took office, and said Damascus was ready to help broker contacts with the groups.
Assad said Washington's stance on the two groups was counterproductive if it wanted to seek regional peace, but said the "problem was with the previous administration" of president George W. Bush.
Assad called for "direct or indirect" talks between Washington and Hamas, and added: "When they want to have help with these parties, any contact direct or indirect with Syria, and maybe direct, we are ready to help."
He also welcomed Obama's decision to send envoys to open a tentative dialogue with Syria.
Last week, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she had sent two diplomats to Syria, but Washington remains cautious in its dealings with a government that has close ties to Iran and to hardline armed groups.
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