Powell in Damascus calls for 'understanding' of the new situation, reminds of Syrian accountability law
Syria-USA, Politics, 5/3/2003

US Secretary Of State Colin Powell who arrived in Damascus yesterday, called on Syria to change its policies and take into consideration to the existence of "a new Iraq" on its borders.

Powell who was to meet today with President Bashar al-Assad to confirm Washington's view points on that the toppling of the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the possibility of resuming the Palestinian- Israeli peace talks create "new strategic dynamism."

Powell told journalists accompanying him during the flight from the Albania's capital Tirana to Damascus "Are they ( the Syrians) ready to play a useful role while we are proceeding forward in the Middle East peace process. This is what I am looking for.. It is not necessarily tomorrow. I am looking forward to the future.. " In advance al-Shara warned Powell of making demands, saying that Syrian wants dialogue not warnings.

Powell said he will not talk about the consequences Syria might face if its answer is not positive. He said "these decisions we will take after we see the performance and whether they will change or not." Powell added in his statement to the press in Damascus that Syria has to remember that members at the US Congress revived the "Syrian Accountability Act" and that certain sanctions stated in the American homeland security act issued in 2001 concerning reserve embargo might be applied on Syria. He said "Frankly speaking, Syria will be in a much better situation if it gets itself away from these policies which go back to the past.. why should there be clinging to useless policiesÉ?"

Powell said in his talks with the press during his flight that the US is concerned with achieving peace in the Middle East and will listen to the Syrian view point concerning the Golan over which he said that "the US will be keen to work with all sides concerned to find out a solution as part of a comprehensive deal." This is, however, Powell's first visit to the Middle East since more than one year and is considered as an introduction for a vaster and longer visit to be held next week covering talks with the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon and with the new Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas.

Previous Stories:
  Syria is ready for dialogue with the USA   (5/2/2003)
  Al-Assad confers with former US Senator Abu Rezk   (5/1/2003)
  American ambassador in Lebanon for good relations with Syria   (4/29/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search