Friday, March 09, 2007
U.S. to confront Syria, Iran on fuelling Iraq's instability
Security, Politics, International
(Middle East Online) The United States will confront Syria and Iran directly at a regional meeting on Iraq this weekend with charges they are actively fomenting the violence tearing their neighbor apart, a senior US official said Thursday. David Satterfield, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's top adviser on Iraq, said the US delegation would press Damascus and Tehran to respond publicly to the accusations at the conference grouping Iraq, its neighbors and the main United Nations powers.
Satterfield also gave the clearest indication yet that US officials were ready to hold direct bilateral talks with the Iranians and Syrians -- long a diplomatic taboo under President George W. Bush. Washington hopes to use Saturday's conference to bring multi-pronged pressure on Iran and Syria to stop fueling the violence in Iraq.
Satterfield also gave the clearest indication yet that US officials were ready to hold direct bilateral talks with the Iranians and Syrians -- long a diplomatic taboo under President George W. Bush. Washington hopes to use Saturday's conference to bring multi-pronged pressure on Iran and Syria to stop fueling the violence in Iraq.
Satterfield said the US presentation to the meeting would hold Syria partially responsible for the worst acts of violence in recent weeks for allowing "jihadist elements" like Al-Qaeda to cross its border into Iraq. The Iranians will meanwhile hear a reiteration of oft-aired US allegations that they are providing materiel and training to Shiite militia engaged in attacks on US forces, notably using high-tech armor-piercing bombs which Washington says were designed by the Iranians, he said.
Labels: Baghdad security conference, Iran, Syria, U.S.A
