Powell expects stronger Arab support for the governing council: Syria studies some of our requests
Regional-USA, Politics, 8/8/2003

The US Secretary Of State has renewed his warning to Syria and Iran yesterday considering that there is "a different strategic situation in the regime following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime and starting the implementing of the Roadmap, that different countries of the region should take into account." Powell added that he had made it clear for the Syrian leadership that Damascus should stop providing resort for Palestinian organizations.

In a press conference with foreign correspondents in Washington, Powell said that the organizations which find a place to carry out their activities in Damascus are "against peace, against the desire of the Palestinian people and against the needs of the Palestinian people." He continued "we believe that Syria is making all its efforts to end these acts. And we believe that Syria should not take part in the process of transporting any weapons shipment and other equipment for Hizbullah party."

Powel added that the Syrians responded to some of these demands and are still studying others. "However, we are not pleased with this performance we have so far seen and we convey this ( dissatisfaction ) to our Syrian colleagues." Powell also urged Iran to take into account that "it is time to stop its support for terrorism and the organizations which oppose the Palestinian and Israeli peace process."

The US Secretary Of State strongly condemned the blowing up of the Jordanian embassy in Baghdad and said in this "criminal" act and similar actions like blowing up the Marriott hotel in Jakarta reminds everyone again that "we should cooperate to defeat terrorism." Powell added that he had made a telephone call with his Jordanian counterpart Marwan Muasher to convey condolences to him.

Powell, on the other hand, stressed that Washington will continue its pressure on the Arab states before the meeting of the Arab League AL at the level of foreign ministers. He said "we will work with the Arab League during the few coming weeks in preparation for September meeting, in order to prove that we are on the way towards the representative government and that the governing council should be viewed as an important step that should be encouraged."

Previous Stories:
  Washington urges the Arabs to recognize the Iraqi transitional governing council   (8/7/2003)
  Ma'ariv: Powell warns Damascus from isolation   (8/2/2003)
  U.S., Saudi Arabia's anti-terrorist cooperation improving, U.S. says   (8/1/2003)
  American academician and Syria   (7/23/2003)

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