Syria will not be frightened by threats, minister says
Syria, Politics, 9/8/1998

In a statement he made to the Syrian local daily Tishreen and the weekly Tishreen al-Osboi, Syrian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nasser Qaddour said the new alliances are more dangerous than the old ones. In the 1950s, there were colonial forces who were then defeated. But colonial forces started to compete with each other to return to the region through alliances.

He stated that confronting Israeli intransigence is based on the need to correct Arab conditions. He said this is a suitable time to have the Arabs meet in defense of their destiny and their interests, adding that when the Arabs unify their efforts, foreign support helps confirm the possibility of applying pressure on Israel in favor of the peace process.

He proceeded, "Unfortunately, some Arab states give a mistaken message to Netanyahu" and thereby, he understands it incorrectly within the framework of the new alliances, foremost being, the Turkish-Israeli military alliance.

He said that by this alliance and within the absence of a unified Arab position Israel instead of being the besieged, has become the besieger and it broke out of the cordon which was imposed on it. "Israel is now besieging the Arab countries by being close to Iran's borders through its alliance with Turkey."

The Syrian minister said: "We consider Turkey a neighboring and friendly state. We have witnessed a long coexistence, one culture and a religion which unify us much more than the points of difference between us." Turkey's interest is with the Arab states and not with Israel which takes and never gives, he added.

He went on saying that through dialogue and respecting the principles of neighborly relations, "We can solve all problems between us and Turkey. We are ready through cooperation to solve these problems by dialogue if we possess the political will and good intention. We have also many points which unify us, but some parties in Turkey do not want that, and make threats against Syria and these threats won't frighten Syria. Syria won't be intimidated; she is strong, steadfast and not aggressive and seeks a constructive dialogue."

Previous Stories:
  Turkey escalates accusations against Syria   (9/7/1998)
  Turkey to change strategy towards Syria   (9/5/1998)
  Syrian VP in South Africa: International community should boycott Israel   (9/4/1998)

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