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Syria taking US concerns seriously: US
Washington, Apr 22: The United States has said it is now `seeing some progress` in its efforts to get Syrian cooperation to close its border with Iraq to all non-humanitarian traffic.
Washington, Apr 22: The United States has said it is now "seeing some progress" in its efforts to get Syrian cooperation to close its border with Iraq to all non-humanitarian traffic.
"They are taking our concerns seriously," Richard Boucher, the spokesman of the US State Department, said.
He said Secretary of State Colin Powell would discuss those concerns with the Syrians when he visits Damascus.
The Syrian authorities have "basically closed the border between Syria and Iraq" and denied entry to a number of members of the former Iraqi regime.
As for the oil pipeline that had operated between the two countries and which the US cut, Boucher said that it would be one of the topics Powell will discuss.
Boucher said Syria's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction has been a matter of continuing concern.
"We have carefully monitored Syria's programmes for many years" he said, "and we remain highly concerned about Syria's continued acquisition of missile, chemical, biological weapons-related technology, materials, equipment and expertise."
Bureau Report
The Syrian authorities have "basically closed the border between Syria and Iraq" and denied entry to a number of members of the former Iraqi regime.
As for the oil pipeline that had operated between the two countries and which the US cut, Boucher said that it would be one of the topics Powell will discuss.
Boucher said Syria's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction has been a matter of continuing concern.
"We have carefully monitored Syria's programmes for many years" he said, "and we remain highly concerned about Syria's continued acquisition of missile, chemical, biological weapons-related technology, materials, equipment and expertise."
Bureau Report