Syria Says Wants Dialogue, Better Ties with U.S.

Reuters ^ | January 05 2004

[knighthawk]

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue. Shara "emphasized the importance of the establishment of a positive and constructive dialogue between the two countries to create a better understanding for their respective stances," the official news agency (SANA) reported.

Shara, speaking to Margaret Scobey after she had presented her credentials, "welcomed Ambassador Scobey, wishing her... success in improving ties between Syria and the United States," SANA said.

Traditionally tense ties between Syria and the United States worsened after the start of the U.S.-led war in neighboring Iraq, which Damascus vehemently opposed.

The war of words between the two raised concern in the Arab world that Syria might be the next American target after Iraq, especially when Washington accused Syria of developing chemical weapons and helping aides of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to flee.

The United States has since accused Syria of turning a blind eye to militants crossing its borders to attack U.S.-led occupation forces in Iraq -- charges Syria has denied.

Syria in turn has often accused the United States of trying to promote the interests of Israel, its main regional ally, at the expense of those of Arabs.

The White House nominated Scobey in October. A month later U.S. lawmakers voted to impose economic and diplomatic sanctions on Syria to punish Damascus for backing militant groups hostile to Israel, keeping troops in neighboring Lebanon and failing to secure its border with Iraq.

Syria argues that its support for Lebanese and Palestinian "freedom fighters" is political and says its presence in Lebanon is based on a bilateral arrangement with Beirut.

The bill, signed later by U.S. President George Bush, gives him the authority to waive the sanctions on Syria if he deems it in the national interest.

Scobey, who served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia, replaces Ambassador Theodore Kattouf, who left Syria in August.

[knighthawk]

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue

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[bobjam]

I would guess that Quadaffi is not the only Middle East despot who grew a little nervous upon seeing Hussein's dental exam.

[Spruce]

Of course this is all due to UN Sanctions and has nothing to do with the Unilateral US agression against Iraq. </sarcasm>

[diamondjoe]

Ok, we'll play nice if Syria:

1) Leaves Lebanon
2) Gives up all WMD
3) Spills beans on Al Qaeda
4) Abandons Hezbollah.

Otherwise, we have nothing to discuss.

[PhiKapMom]

We need to continue to turn up the heat on Syria. Wonder if Saddam's records and his talking have them worried?

Invasion of Iraq worked wonders on Gadafi -- he didn't want any more bombs headed his way. Think the Middle East despots are finally getting a clue even if it is a little clue that this Administration means business -- get in our way and you are history.

[Naspino]

It is interesting that after Saddam has started talking that leaders of these countries are taking a much softer-friendlier stance.

[Dilbert56]

Actually those are US sanctions voted on by Congress. Even better!

[mel]

But, Howard Dean said the U.S. is not safer now with the war in Iraq and capture of Hussein

[PhiKapMom]

It sure is interesting. Wonder if Saddam kept meticulous notes like his one son did with the money that was spent? That could explain why these leaders are toning down their rhetoric. Saw today that the Iraqi Tribal Leaders want the attacks on the Americans to end.

Saddam must be singing like a canary and must have the goods on a lot of these people.

[BlueNgold]

And the dominoes continue to fall ...

[AAABEST]

Bingo and Bingo.

One thing I know about Arabs/Muslems, they respond to force and strength.... kind of like dogs or pigs.

Islam means "submission". They're at their best (even a bit endearing) when forced into a subservient position (where they belong).

[kingu]

I'd be good with putting one requirement on the table in Damascus - Give the captured lands that Israel holds to the Palestinians. Oh, wait, that'll never happen because their only reason to support the 'palestinaians' is because it annoys Israel.

[jpl]

Yep, the Bush Doctrine really continues to prove to be a complete and utter disaster.

[OXENinFLA]

Hummmm I wonder why?

It couldn't be H.R.1828 the 'Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003', could it?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/search?s=Syria+Act&ok=Search&q=quick&m=all&o=score&SX=3ff9ac19bee844f32a806d25816f7fda7ad52587

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for the info -- very interesting!

[Valin]

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara, whose country faces possible U.S. diplomatic and trade sanctions, told Washington's new envoy Monday that Damascus wanted better ties and a positive dialogue.

I'll just bet they do! Can't imagine why.

[Mr. Mojo]

They want better ties? No problem. Hand over Saddam's WMD (and their own, for that matter) and crack down hard on Hezbollah both in Lebanon and within theri own borders. Then we'll talk.

[Mr. Mojo]

"either the arabs are at your throat or at your feet" Ping.