Armitage: for the implementation of 1559, non intervention in the Lebanese parliamentary elections

Satisfaction prevailed Damascus yesterday following the visit carried out by the US under secretary of state Richard Armitage during which he commended Syria's cooperation in controlling the borders with Iraq, calling simultaneously for more efforts in order to stop "members of the former regime" from crossing the borders.

The two sides agreed on the importance of carrying out the Iraqi elections in its date set on January 30, while Armitage called for the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1559 regarding Lebanon, and non intervention in the Lebanese parliamentary elections due in spring this year.

The talks were held in an open and frank atmosphere and dealt with conditions in the region and bilateral relations and means of supporting them. Armitage welcomed the atmosphere in which the talks were held and said they were "frank and serious." He added the US stresses the very importance of the Iraqi elections on January 30 and the full participation of all Iraqis in it.. I think I found in Syria the same view point."

Armitage said that concerning the Syrian- Iraqi borders "we have all to work for the security of the borders. Syria has achieved a positive development at this level, we have all to do more concerning members of the former regime who take part in the operation in Iraq and move both ways form Syria." Armitage said that the American officials explained to the Syrians in the Iraqi issue "we found much progress concerning the ( question ) of foreign fighters who used Syria to cross for Iraq. This is a good matter. But I have also explained that members of the former regime frequently cross the borders and this should be stopped." He added " we consider it is very important that Iraq will have good friendship with Syria and I do hope the Syrians will abide by the same thing."

Concerning the Lebanese issue, Armitage said "we talked about the need of full implementation for UN resolution no. 1559 and the need to prevent any foreign intervention in the Lebanese parliamentary elections in next spring."

Concerning the peace issue, Armitage said that there is "a chance" now at this level. He called for supporting the new Palestinian leadership and to give up violence. He said that the USA is still committed to the achievement of comprehensive peace. After his visit to Syria which lasted for hours, Armitage moved to Ankara where he will be holding today talks with the Turkish officials including the foreign minister Abdul Gul, speaker of parliament Polent Areinj and army chief of staff Helmi Ozok.

Two Turkish and American sources said it is not decided yet whether Armitage will be meeting with the Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.