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Posted on 04/14/2003 5:08:01 PM PDT by blam
Britain and US split on Syria
By Marie Woolf and Andrew Grice
15 April 2003
Splits have appeared between Britain and America's stance on extending war in Iraq to military action against Syria.
Tony Blair insisted yesterday that Britain had no intention of making a military strike against Syria and said he wanted to pursue "dialogue and partnership" with the country.
The Prime Minister struck a more conciliatory note than Washington, which threatened diplomatic and military sanctions. The US says Damascus is harbouring former members of Saddam Hussein's regime. Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary, accused Syria of conducting tests involving chemical weapons over the past 12 to 15 months and allowing Iraqis to flee into Syrian territory.
Mr Blair tried to calm fears that Syria might be developing chemical weapons with the help of Iraqi scientists or that it has been allowing supporters of President Saddam to cross the border. "I have spoken to President Assad and he has assured me that that is not happening, and I have said to him that it is important that he makes sure that that assurance is valid," he said.
Mr Blair insisted that reports of America planning a strike on Syria were "simply not correct."
He told Labour backbenchers: "I have the advantage of talking to the President on a regular basis, and I can assure you that there are no plans to invade Syria."
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That is correct! Invasion not included, some assembly required! ;-)
Perhaps the planning stage is over?
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