Powell Denies Use of Force against Syria

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, May 03, 2003

Powell Denies Use of Force against Syria

Visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell said here on Saturday that the use of force option against Syria was not on the cards despite the American opposition to Syriain the recent period.

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Visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell said here on Saturday that the use of force option against Syria was not on the cards despite the American opposition to Syriain the recent period.

Powell, arrived at Damascus late Friday for a two-day visit to Syria, made the remarks at a press conference held before his meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

Powell said that he was looking forward to conducting a series of frank and fruitful talks with Syrian officials on Iraq and the Middle East "Roadmap" peace plan.

Powell said: "He talked with the Syrians frankly about some issues. President (George W.) Bush has said several times that there are many ways and means to achieve our goals especially through diplomatic channels. So, war against Syria is not on the cards."

In reply to a question about the agenda of his talks, Powell noted that he would discuss with Al-Assad several issues including the presence of Damascus-based offices of some radical Palestinian organizations, which Powell termed as "rejection front", the Iraqi situation, Syrian-Iraqi borders issue and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

"I believe that our discussions will cover all issues of concern to Syria and the US. But, we should know that our dialogue with Al-Assad would be frank and clear particularly in light of the general context in the region," Powell added, pointing out that two important factors should be taken into consideration, the new situation in Iraq and the release of "roadmap" peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Powell pointed out that many changes have taken place since his last visit to Syria in April, 2002, hinting at the new situation in Iraq, designation of Abu Mazen as the Palestinian new Prime Minister and publication of the roadmap peace plan.

"I'm eager to talks with the Syrian President about these changes and how to establish good bilateral relations between Syriaand the US," Powell said, expressing his hope that all parties work to give momentum to Arab-American relations.

Asked about WMDs, the American secretary said the prime target of the United States was to achieve stability in the region. He pointed out that "the American Administration was concerned over disposing of WMDs. "I will listen to the Syrian attitude today as regards this issue," said Powell.

America is looking forward to setting up a Palestinian State that can live peacefully side by side with Israel as soon as possible, said Powell, adding that the roadmap would help restore dialogue between the two new Israeli and Palestinian governments onsecurity issues as well as other issues.

Moreover, Powell said a lot of work is required from the two sides to put an end to violence.

He also expressed his belief that there is a great chance for both parties to forge ahead with the roadmap peace plan, indicating that the US would support the two parties in that respect.

Syria has been under mounting US pressure to end its support for "terrorist" groups and accused by Washington of harboring Iraqi fugitives and developing weapons of mass destruction following the fall of the Saddam regime in early April.

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