Specter to visit Syria, Israel

Well-informed sources at the US Congress said that Senator Arlen Specter will this month hold a Middle East tour which will cover Syria and Israel. The sources added that the Republican senator is eager to take part in reviving Syrian - Israeli negotiations.

Specter who is one of the most remarkable partisans for Israel at the US Senate and has strong relations with politicians in Israel, had earlier held similar tours, during which he was received by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Israeli prime ministers. He conveyed oral messages between the two sides, the Lebanese daily al-Safir reported on Thursday.