Blair Breaks Ice With Syria

07/05/2001| IslamWeb

DAMASCUS, Syria (Islamweb & News Agencies) - Encouraged by Syria's condemnation of terror attacks in the United States, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is testing the willingness of Damascus to promote the Middle East peace process. Blair is the first British prime minister to visit Syria, a key player in the region. He planned to meet Wednesday with President Bashar Assad, whose government joined in the international condemnation of last month's terrorist attacks. (Read photo caption below)
Officials traveling with Blair said Syria's condemnation of the attack was a sign Damascus might be ready to take a role in the Middle East peace process.
Israeli and Palestinian officials have said they expect to meet separately with Blair on their territories Thursday. Saudi Arabian officials also were expecting a visit from the prime minister.
Blair's spokesman would not discuss what Syria might be able or willing to do to break the cycle of violence between Israel and the Palestinians or to promote meaningful negotiations.
He also turned aside questions about Syria's association with groups the United States suspects of involvement in terrorist activities. Washington has long listed Syria as a sponsor of terrorism.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, talks to Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa at a hotel in Damascus, Syria, late Tuesday Oct. 30, 2001. Blair is to meet the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, seen in portrait at center, Wednesday for talks. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant/WPA POOL)