Murphy's remarks on visit to Syria
Syria-USA, Politics, 12/2/2003

Former U.S. Undersecretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Richard Murphy, who met President Bashar al-Assad pointed out to the importance of the interview that President al-Assad gave to the New York Times yesterday in which he explained Syria's points of views regarding many issues.

In statements to press following his meeting with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Murphy stressed that his talks with al-Shara dealt with the latest developments in the region, particularly in Iraq in addition to the bilateral relations between Syria and the U.S.

Al- Shara explained Syria's stance regarding the issues discussed, indicating that a better understanding of the two countries' policies and their basic interests could be achieved through a constructive, serious dialogue between Syria and the U.S.

Murphy indicated that the U.S. goals in Iraq concern many countries, including Syria, saying that the U.S. aims at achieving security and prosperity in Iraq.

He asserted the necessity for the U.S. to extend aid to the Iraqi people to select their representatives in the government as soon as possible.

In response to a question on the so-called Syria Accountability Act, Murphy said that President George W. Bush will sign the Act in the near future, referring that this Act may not be endorsed if imposing sanctions will not be in the benefit of the U.S. national security.

Previous Stories:
  Al-Assad confers with Murphy   (12/1/2003)
  A-Shorouk: Syrian expatriates minister underlines Arab presence abroad   (11/29/2003)
  Al-Assad confers with US task force on Lebanon delegation   (11/24/2003)

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

Search