Armitage discusses in Damascus the participation of Iraqi Sunni in the elections
Syria-USA, Politics, 12/29/2004

The administration of the US President George W. Bush yesterday renewed its accusations to Syria to that it helps the Iraqi resistance and provides shelter to several members of the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. This was made on the new tour of the US under secretary of state Richard Armitage to Ankara, Damascus and Amman, dedicated to discuss the situation in Iraq especially the participation of the Sunni in Iraqi in the elections die on January 30th, 2004.

The assistant for the spokesman for the US state department Adam Early said that the Syrian officials "made certain things which we respect regarding the border and they are collaborating with the Iraqis to control the borders." But "the continued presence in Syria for members of the former regime who work, as we presume for damaging Iraq and supporting resistance, is a problem which we indeed think Syria is in need to stop."

He added that the Department Of State has not officially announced the destination of Armitage's trip the press noted, but stressed he will travel today (Wednesday). A high ranking American official said that the US under secretary of state for the Middle east affairs William Burns will accompany Armitage to Syria and Jordan. He added that the talks will concentrate on the efforts to convince the Sunni in Iraq to take part in the election process.

Early said "this will be basically the main message." The high ranking American official said "No doubt that Syria is a big problem." One American source in Ankara said that Armitage will reach on January 2nd, 2005 in Turkey to meet with the prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the foreign minister Abdullah Gul.

Previous Stories:
  Armitaj, Kerry to visit Damascus   (12/28/2004)
  Jordanian daily criticizes US pressures on Syria   (12/27/2004)
  Syria refutes American accusations about the border with Iraq   (12/17/2004)

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