Syria Welcomes Bush Remarks, Wants Serious Dialogue

Reuters ^ | 4/21/3 | Inal Ersan

[WaveThatFlag]

Syria said it wanted a "serious and constructive dialogue" with Washington and welcomed remarks by President Bush (news - web sites) in which he noted Damascus was heeding U.S. calls for cooperation.

"We welcome the statement of President Bush and hope that this statement marks the beginning of a serious and constructive dialogue," Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara said on Monday. "We in Syria do not like argument ... we are for dialogue."

On Sunday, Bush said Damascus was "getting the message" that it should deny sanctuary to fleeing members of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s government, one of the issues that fueled tensions between Syria and the United States in recent weeks.

A spat between Damascus and Washington over U.S. allegations that Syria may be developing chemical weapons sparked fears in the Arab world that Syria could be the Pentagon (news - web sites)'s next target after the U.S.-led war against Iraq (news - web sites).

Syria has denied the U.S. charges and argued that Israel, which is widely believed to have about 300 nuclear warheads, posed a threat to its neighbors. The Jewish state's policy is never to discuss the issue.

Shara said Syria has sealed its borders to Iraqis and required them to apply for visas. Before the war, Iraqis, like all fellow Arabs, were allowed to frequent Syria without visas.

Shara told a joint news conference with visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio in Damascus that his country "never wanted a confrontation" with Washington. "The strong tone from our side was a reaction (to U.S. charges)," he said.

"Syria is a stabilizing factor in the Middle East," he added.

Palacio, who met with President Bashar al-Assad earlier on Monday, said the situation between its "friend" Syria and ally the United States did not require mediation.

She described the U.S. allegations against Syria as "isolated statements" and said: "I insist that there was no such thing as a (U.S.) threat to Syria."

HEAR AND BE HEARD

Commenting on the purpose of a planned visit by Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) to Damascus, Shara said: "I am sure he is not coming to Syria to dictate but to listen, to tell us their concern and to tell our concern to them."

Powell said last week he may soon visit the Middle East, including Syria, to push for Arab-Israeli peace. U.S. officials have declined to give specific dates for his visit.

Palacio said she saw Syria's stance on Middle East peacemaking changing and hoped the country would support the "road map" plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Spain wants the road map to be announced as soon as possible, she said.

"The time for declarations is long over due. We now have to deliver and make progress in the peace process. I believe we have a window of opportunity that we have to seize to push forward the peace process," Palacio said.

Washington is expected to unveil a road map for peace after the Palestinian legislature approves a new government. The plan envisages a Palestinian state by 2005.

Syria has expressed fears the plan is designed to further Israeli interests at the expense of Arabs.

[WaveThatFlag]

"Syria is a stabilizing factor in the Middle East,"

and Hezbolla is a chemistry club...

[CholeraJoe]

I smell fear.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I wonder how the five families felt about cleaning up the Teamsters ?

[areafiftyone]

I smell soiled diapers! ;-)

[1Old Pro]

It's in Syria's best interests to coopretate fully, without delay, and no funny business. I hope they really understand this.

[CholeraJoe]

Isn't it amazing how kicking one dictator's a$$ makes them all lose sphincter control?

[upcountryhorseman]

It would be a terrible mistake for Secr. Powell
to go to Syria. Let them come to us, if they want to
talk.

[kill-9]

[Search4Truth]

This proves that "Power perceived, is power achieved".

[George W. Bush]

LOL. Great cartoon. Be sure to post it around FR as I'm sure many would enjoy it.

[Illbay]

And the Baathists are all Eagle Scouts.

[Jim Noble]

"We in Syria do not like argument ... we are for dialogue."

We also don't like JDAMs...

[evad]

Fortunately, the mideast arab world is so duplicitous that they haven't a clue what we will do next...and they think we'll do the worst.

They're sh*t'n bricks right now.

[Grampa Dave]

This cartoon is classic and sums up what Shock and Awe has done to the petty dictators around the world.

[evad]

Tremendous...
Diplomacy does work ;-)

[JustPiper]

Will they give up Iraqs WMD's? Otherwise I say no deal!

[JustPiper]

Great website! ;)

[Paradox]

Supposedly, Assad Jr is more pro-west than his father. However, there would be much resistance within his government for change. Maybe, Assad can now use this opportunity to change his government for the better. Whatever the case, its a good move.

[Wright is right!]

Young Assad definitely IS more pro-Western than his ruthless dad. Unfortunately, he inherited all of the Old Guard from dad's regime - and they have resisted reform until now. It will be interesting to see if he can consolidate enough power to force the Old Guard either out or to change.

Boy Assad does NOT want a JDAM with his name on it.

Michael

[I'm ALL Right!]

Dialogue? Okay, here it is....hand over the WMD and those who fled Iraq. Now. /Dialogue