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Republican Sen. Specter plans Syria trip 
AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 6:30 PM
Sen. Arlen Specter, a 26-year Senate Republican, said he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration, contending the situation in Iraq is so dire that it is time Congress step up to the plate and see what it can do.Kerry: U.S. should talk with Iran, Syria AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 11:21 AM
Sen. John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said Friday that the Bush administration's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq is a mistake.Lebanon PM seeks Kremlin's help in Syria crisis AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 10:44 AM
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora met with President Vladimir Putin in a bid to get Moscow to pressure Syria over political unrest in Beirut, seen by Siniora as a Damascus-backed coup attempt.Poll: 52% Want Syria, Iran in Iraq Talks Rasmussen Reports via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 10:12 AM
The Iraq Study Group recommended that Syria and Iran be included in talks about the future of Iraq. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected that recommendation. The American people have mixed views on it.Sen. Arlen Specter Planning Trip to Syria Fox News - 2 hours, 33 minutes ago
Veteran GOP Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania says he is going to visit Syria, despite objections from the White House.Rice rejects talks with Iran, Syria on Iraq CNN.com - Dec 15 6:55 AM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.US rejects reaching out to Iran, Syria: report AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 5:01 AM
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rejected reaching out to Iran and Syria in an interview, saying neither country should need an incentive to push for stability in Iraq.Lebanon PM seeks Kremlin's help in Syria crisis AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 2:17 AM
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was expected to press President Vladimir Putin to use his influence with Syria to help defuse a political crisis that Siniora sees as a Damascus-backed coup attempt.Kerry Slams Bush For Rejecting Syria Talks CBS News - Dec 15 12:36 PM
Sen. John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said it's a mistake that the Bush administration has rejected a dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq.No Middle East peace without Syria, Iran: Assad Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 1:24 AM
The United States and Europe must talk to Syria and Iran if they want a comprehensive solution to Iraq and other Middle East conflicts, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published on Friday.Rice Rejects Overture To Iran And Syria Washington Post - Dec 15 12:49 AM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the United States seek the help of Syria and Iran in Iraq, saying the "compensation" required by any deal might be too high. She argued that neither country should need incentives to foster stability in Iraq.... Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 10:42 PM
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.CORRECTED: U.S. official warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 10:41 PM
The United States warned the United Arab Emirates on Thursday it may take action against the Gulf state if it fails to halt the flow of technology to Iran and Syria that can be used to make improvised bombs.Sen. Kerry Urges Talks with Iran, Syria Fox News - Dec 15 7:56 AM
Sen. John Kerry urges the Bush administration to open a dialogue with Iran and Syria about Iraq while on a fact-finding trip to the Mideast.White House Upset by Senator?s Trip to Syria New York Times - Dec 14 6:48 PM
The White House said Senator Bill Nelson of Florida?s trip to Syria was inappropriate and undermined democracy in the region.Leading Republican senator plans Syria trip despite White House opposition WHNT-TV Huntsville - 1 hour, 38 minutes ago
WASHINGTON Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is planning a trip to Syria, despite objections by the Bush administration. Specter says he and other G-O-P members are...Leading Republican senator plans Syria trip despite White House opposition KTRE-TV East Texas - 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
WASHINGTON Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is planning a trip to Syria, despite objections by the Bush administration.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq-Post Reuters via Yahoo! Singapore News - Dec 15 2:58 PM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's proposal that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilise Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.Senator Kerry: US should talk with Iran, Syria IranMania.com - 43 minutes ago
LONDON, December 16 (IranMania) - US Senator John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said Friday that the Bush administration's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq is a mistake, The Associated Press reported.Rice rejects Iran, Syria help Gulf News - 24 minutes ago
Washington: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a plan to engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilise Iraq, saying that "compensation" for such a deal might be too high.Full Nelson For Syria's Assad Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 4:00 PM
Diplomacy: In the first contact with a U.S. official since the Iraq Study Group suggested we talk with him, Syria's Baathist dictator, Bashar Assad, welcomes Sen. Bill Nelson, the first of many appeasers to come.Kerry calls Bush refusal of dialogue with Iran, Syria "a mistake" KWQC-TV 6 Davenport - 0 minute ago
CAIRO, Egypt Senator John Kerry says it's "a mistake" for the Bush administration to reject talks with Syria and Iran about calming Iraq.Specter plans Syria trip despite White House opposition WFMJ Youngstown - 1 hour, 11 minutes ago
WASHINGTON Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania says he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration.Lawmaker visits to Syria unhelpful: White House Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 2:15 PM
The White House sought on Thursday to head off further visits by U.S. lawmakers to Syria, saying such trips undermine President George W. Bush's message that Damascus must stop meddling in Iraq and Lebanon.White House criticizes senator's Syria trip AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 2:41 PM
The White House sharply criticized a US senator's trip to Syria as "not helpful" and "not appropriate" and warned Damascus not to see the visit as an indirect overture from Washington.WP: Rice rejects overture to Iran, Syria MSNBC - Dec 15 12:39 AM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the United States seek the help of Syria and Iran in Iraq, saying the "compensation" required by any deal might be too high. U.S. lawmaker visits to Syria unhelpful: White House Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 12:25 PM
The White House sought on Thursday to head off further visits to Syria by U.S. lawmakers, saying such trips undermine President George W. Bush's message that Damascus must stop meddling in Iraq and Lebanon.No talks with Iran, Syria, says Rice Dawn - 2 hours, 13 minutes ago
WASHINGTON, Dec 15: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected the proposal for holding talks with Iran and Syria saying that it would be too high a compensation for stability in Iraq.EU accuses Iran, Syria of destablizing Middle East The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 15 12:42 PM
The European Union accused Iran and Syria on Friday of destabilizing the Middle East, telling Damascus "to stop interfering in Lebanon" if it wanted normal relations with the international community. Significantly hardening the bloc's tone, EU leaders said "Syria must end all interference in Lebanese internal affairs.UAE 'surprised' at US warning on Syria-Iran Gulf Daily News - Dec 15 5:09 PM
DUBAI: A UAE official voiced astonishment yesterday at a threat of US action against the Gulf state for allegedly failing to prevent a flow of technology to Iran and Syria that can be used in homemade bombs.Senator Kerry urges dialogue with Iran, Syria Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 9:25 AM
U.S. Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the presidency in 2004, said on Thursday the U.S. administration should talk to Syria and Iran.Kerry calls Bush refusal of dialogue with Iran, Syria "a mistake" WHOI - Dec 15 9:53 AM
(AP) -- CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Senator John Kerry says it's "a mistake" for the Bush administration to reject talks with Syria and Iran about calming Iraq.Kerry calls Bush refusal of dialogue with Iran, Syria "a mistake" NewsChannel 10 Amarillo - Dec 15 9:50 AM
CAIRO, Egypt Senator John Kerry says it's "a mistake" for the Bush administration to reject talks with Syria and Iran about calming Iraq. The Massachusetts Democrat is...Yemen-US talks on Syria ahead of Assad visit to Aden AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 9:23 AM
A US official slammed Syria's role in Lebanon and said he expected Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to convey US concerns to his Syrian counterpart later this week.White House criticizes senator's trip to Syria Boston Globe - Dec 15 1:04 AM
WASHINGTON -- The White House escalated its criticism yesterday of Senator Bill Nelson's defiant diplomacy trip to Syria as a parade of other senators prepared to meet with the president of the country.Kerry calls Bush refusal of dialogue with Iran, Syria "a mistake" WIS News 10 Columbia - Dec 15 9:46 AM
Senator John Kerry says it's "a mistake" for the Bush administration to reject talks with Syria and Iran about calming Iraq.Defying Bush, Senator Visits Syria Washington Post - Dec 14 8:00 AM
The White House lashed out at Syria yesterday, as Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) defied pressure from the administration and went ahead with talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. Afterward, Nelson said he sees a new "crack in the door" for U.S.-Syria relations and help in stabilizing... Kerry urges Bush to engage Iran, Syria on Iraq AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 8:59 AM
US Senator John Kerry urged his rival in the 2004 elections, President George W. Bush, to kindle a dialogue with Iran and Syria in a bid to stabilize Iraq.Rice: No Help Needed From Iran, Syria Fox 6 News San Diego - Dec 15 9:13 AM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq.Specter sees Syria trip as shot to resuscitate diplomacy The Morning Call - Dec 15 7:20 AM
GOP senator plans multi-nation tour, seeks to mend U.S ties with Arab nation. White House is opposed. | Rebuffing the Bush administration, Sen. Arlen Specter plans to travel to Syria this month as part of a multi-nation tour aimed in part at reviving the United States' diplomatic relationship with the Arab country.White House: Senator's Syria Trip Inappropriate The Philadelphia Inquirer - Dec 15 12:08 AM
The White Houseyesterday escalated its criticism of Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's diplomacy to Syria, as a parade of other senators prepared to meet with the president of the country.CORRECTED: U.S. official warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria Boston Globe - Dec 14 11:52 PM
(In third paragraph, Washington has accused Syria and Iran -- not Iraq) By Doug PalmerRice Rejects Talks on Iraq with Iran, Syria Voice of America - Dec 15 3:59 AM
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected the idea of holding talks with Iran and Syria on reducing violence in Iraq.US senator defends travel to Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 6:14 AM
A US senator who traveled to Syria this week defended his trip as being in the interest of US policy and in keeping with last week's Iraq Study Group recommendations.EU talks tough with Iran, Syria Khaleej Times - Dec 15 7:48 AM
BRUSSELS - The European Union accused Iran and Syria on Friday of destabilising the Middle East just as the United States is contemplating whether to talk to Tehran and Damascus in an effort to end violence in Iraq.White House: Stay away from Syria Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Dec 15 2:40 AM
WASHINGTON -- The White House said Thursday that trips to Syria by U.S. lawmakers are a public relations victory for a government that is thwarting democratic reform in the Middle East.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq Central Chronicle - Dec 15 9:32 AM
Washington, Dec 15: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.Rice: U.S. won't team with Syria, Iran on Iraq USA Today - Dec 14 11:23 PM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the United States seek the help of Syria and Iran in Iraq, saying the 'compensation' required by any deal might be too high. She argued that neither country...5,000 undocumented OFWs in Syria -- think tank INQ7.net - Dec 15 3:07 AM
SOME 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), mostly domestic helpers, have found their way into Syria without passing through proper immigration channels and are thus continuously exposed to abuse, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center said Friday.White House intensifies criticism of Nelson's Syria trip Miami Herald - Dec 15 12:24 AM
The White House on Thursday escalated its criticism of Sen. Bill Nelson's defiant diplomacy to Syria as other senators prepared to meet with the president of the country the United States accuses of aiding terrorists.US rejects reaching out to Iran, Syria: report AFP via Yahoo! Asia News - Dec 15 12:39 AM
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rejected reaching out to Iran and Syria in an interview with the Washington Post, saying neither country should need an incentive to push for stability in Iraq.UN chief urges Bush to talk to Iran and Syria on Iraq AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 4:48 AM
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged US President George W. Bush to involve Iran and Syria in the search for a solution to the crisis in Iraq.No Middle East peace without Syria, Iran - Assad AlertNet - Dec 15 1:36 AM
Source: Reuters ROME, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The United States and Europe must talk to Syria and Iran if they want a comprehensive solution to Iraq and other Middle East conflicts, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said ... White House decries senator's visit to Syria Deseret Morning News - Dec 14 11:26 PM
The White House on Thursday escalated its criticism of Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's defiant diplomacy to Syria as a parade of other senators prepared to meet with the president of the country.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq Reuters via Yahoo! Singapore News - Dec 14 10:34 PM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilise Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.White House criticizes Nelson's trip to Syria MSNBC - Dec 14 1:06 PM
The White House said Thursday that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's trip to Syria was not only inappropriate, but that it gave undue legitimacy to a government that is thwarting democratic reform in the Middle East. Siniora hopes for Russia's role in Lebanon-Syria settlement Interfax - Dec 15 12:22 AM
MOSCOW. Dec 15 (Interfax) - Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said he hopes that Russia will be able to help normalize relations between Lebanon and Syria. "We want relations with Syria to be normalized.Assad calls on Olmert, Bush to negotiate with Syria Middle East Online - Dec 15 2:38 AM
Syria s President says he is expecting Israel to launch war against Syria at any time, maybe next summer.US Syria Fox21 - Dec 15 1:05 AM
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) _ Florida Senator Bill Nelson says Syria's president appears willing to work with the U-S in controlling his country's border with Iraq.Nelson met with Bashar Assad (bah-SHAHR' AH'-sahd) for an hour, and later told reporters in a conference call there is "a crack in the door" for further discussions.The U-S says foreign fighters often enter Iraq from Syria.Nelson says he also ...The importance of US engagement with Iran and Syria The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 1:00 AM
Why did the 10 very experienced members of the Iraq Study Group lay such great stress on the need to engage politically with Iran and Syria? First, because after studying the situation in Iraq for nine long months they understood clearly that it is both "grave" and "deteriorating."White House Says Nelson's Visit to Syria Sends Mixed Message Fox News - Dec 14 11:57 AM
Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's trip to Syria sent a mixed message on positions of the United States, the White House said Thursday.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq AlertNet - Dec 14 10:36 PM
Source: Reuters WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq ... Rice rejects reaching out to Iran, Syria to stabilize Iraq People's Daily - Dec 15 12:54 AM
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected engaging Iran and Syria as part of efforts to stabilize war-torn Iraq, saying costs could be too high, the Washington Post reported on Friday.US warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria Financial Times - Dec 14 6:34 PM
Washington is alarmed at the diversion of militarily sensitive technology to Iran and Syria via Dubai, a US official said on Thursday.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq SABC News - Dec 14 11:02 PM
Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported today.Rice rejects help from Syria and Iran UPI - Dec 14 10:13 PM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected the idea of seeking help from Syria and Iran to resolve the conflict in Iraq.US criticises Senator's visit to Syria NDTV - Dec 14 6:56 PM
The White House has said that Democratic Senator Bill Nelson's trip to Syria gave undue legitimacy to a government that is thwarting democratic reform in the West Asia.Kerry urges Bush to engage Iran, Syria on Iraq IranMania.com - Dec 14 10:33 PM
LONDON, December 15 (IranMania) - US Senator John Kerry urged his rival in the 2004 elections, President George W Bush, to kindle a dialogue with Iran and Syria in a bid to stabilize Iraq, AFP reported.Lebanon PM seeks Kremlin's help in Syria crisis Zawya - Dec 15 1:16 AM
MOSCOW, Dec 15, 2006 (AFP) - Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was expected Friday to press President Vladimir Putin to use his influence with Syria to help defuse a political crisis that Siniora sees as a Damascus-backed coup attempt.UN chief urges Bush to talk to Iran, Syria on Iraq IranMania.com - Dec 14 10:32 PM
LONDON, December 15 (IranMania) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged US President George W Bush to involve Iran and Syria in the search for a solution to the crisis in Iraq, AFP reported.US warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria IranMania.com - Dec 14 10:32 PM
LONDON, December 15 (IranMania) - Washington is alarmed at the diversion of militarily sensitive technology to Iran and Syria via Dubai, a US official said, The Financial Times reported.White House slams Sen. Nelson's visit to Syria Orlando Sentinel - Dec 14 2:07 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House said Thursday that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's trip to Syria gave undue legitimacy to a government that is thwarting democratic reform in the Middle East. Bush criticizes Syria; U.S. senator sees Assad Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 3:57 PM
President George W. Bush sharply criticized Syria on Wednesday despite calls for him to engage with the country over Iraq, while a Democratic senator defied administration wishes and met Syria's president.Canada: Arar Still on U.S. Watch List New York Times - 1 hour, 10 minutes ago
Maher Arar, the Canadian the United States sent in 2002 to Syria, where he was tortured for months, remains in a database of terrorist suspects maintained by the United States, despite a two-year Canadian investigation that found him to be innocent of any terrorist ties this year. David H. Wilkins, the American ambassador, acknowledged the continued listing of Mr. Arar on Canadian radio. In a ...US lawmaker visits to Syria unhelpful-White House AlertNet - Dec 14 2:21 PM
Source: Reuters (Adds reaction from senators, more details) By Caren Bohan WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - The White House sought on Thursday to head off further visits by U.S. lawmakers to Syria, saying such ... US senators make overtures to Syria Financial Times - Dec 14 2:10 PM
Acting against the wishes of the Bush administration and Israel, three Democratic senators and at least one Republican are visiting Damascus to explore the possibility of engagement between Syria and the US, as recommended by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.White House blames Senator's visit to Syria People's Daily - Dec 14 5:10 PM
The White House criticized on Thursday Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's trip to Syria, saying it was not only inappropriate, but that it also gave undue legitimacy to a government that is thwarting democratic reform in the Middle East.Bush criticizes Syria; U.S. senator meets Assad Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 1:47 PM
President George W. Bush on Wednesday sharply attacked Syria despite calls for him to engage with the country over Iraq, while a Democratic senator defied administration wishes and met Syria's president.US lawmaker visits to Syria unhelpful-White House AlertNet - Dec 14 12:36 PM
Source: Reuters By Caren Bohan WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - The White House sought on Thursday to head off further visits to Syria by U.S. lawmakers, saying such trips undermine President George W. Bush's message ... Pope Wants Syria To Help Resolve Middle East Conflicts Nasdaq - Dec 14 9:53 AM
VATICAN CITY (AP)--Pope Benedict XVI encouraged Syria Thursday to use its influence to help resolve Middle East conflicts. Greeting Syria's new ambassador to the Holy See, the pontiff noted repeated papal appeals for cessation of violence in Lebanon, the Holy Land and in Iraq.US official warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria AlertNet - Dec 14 12:21 PM
Source: Reuters (In third paragraph, Washington has accused Syria and Iran -- not Iraq) By Doug Palmer WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - The United States warned the United Arab Emirates on Thursday it may take ... CORRECTED: Senator Kerry urges dialogue with Iran, Syria Reuters via Yahoo! Canada News - Dec 14 8:17 AM
U.S. Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the presidency in 2004, said on Thursday the U.S. administration should engage in dialogue with Syria and Iran.Senator Kerry urges dialogue with Iran, Syria Reuters via Yahoo! Canada News - Dec 14 7:42 AM
U.S. Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for the presidency in 2004, said on Thursday the U.S. administration should engage in dialogue with Syria and Iraq.Pope asks Syria to help secure peace Gulf News - Dec 14 3:25 PM
Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI yesterday encouraged Syria to use its influence to help resolve Middle East conflicts and counter terrorism. Greeting Syria's new ambassador to the Holy See, the pontiff noted repeated papal appeals for cessation of violence in Lebanon, Palestine and in Iraq.Bush, Malaysian leader discuss Iran, Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 8:11 AM
US President George W. Bush expressed "strong concerns" to Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over Iranian and Syrian influence in Lebanon, the White House said.Nelson defies Bush, enlists Syria's help Orlando Sentinel - Dec 14 6:22 AM
Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sen. Bill Nelson on Wednesday that he was willing to cooperate with the U.S. to control the porous border between Syria and Iraq used by insurgents. Sen. Nelson: Syria could help in Iraq Miami Herald - Dec 14 4:40 AM
Sen. Bill Nelson met Wednesday with Syrian President Basher Assad in defiance of the White House, saying after the meeting that he believes there is a ''crack in the door'' for discussions to continue for Syria to help curb the violence in neighboring Iraq.Tortured Canadian Still on U.S. 'Watch List' Washington Post - Dec 15 1:56 PM
TORONTO, Dec. 15 -- Maher Arar, the Canadian Muslim who was whisked by U.S. agents from a New York airport to imprisonment and torture in Syria, remains on the U.S. "watch list" despite an exhaustive Canadian inquiry that found he is an innocent man, the U.S. ambassador to Canada said Friday.Fla. senator meets Syria's president Boston Globe - Dec 14 1:01 AM
DAMASCUS -- US Senator Bill Nelson met President Bashar al-Assad of Syria yesterday, a week after a US bipartisan panel recommended the Bush administration engage Syria to help stabilize Iraq. Nelson, a Florida Democrat, was named to the Intelligence Committee this week and said he was on a fact-finding mission to the region. Members of the US Congress have shunned ...White House Denounces Visits to Syria by US Legislators Voice of America - Dec 15 2:29 PM
The White House says it is inappropriate for members of Congress to meet privately with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. VOA White House correspondent Scott Stearns reports, one senator visited Damascus earlier this week, and several others are planning visits to the Syrian capital.Bush presses Syria on prisoners, Lebanon AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 8:37 AM
US President George W. Bush called on Syria to free all political prisoners and to halt "intimidation and interference" that is hurting Lebanon's embattled democracy.Bush criticizes Syria on human rights, Lebanon Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 8:00 AM
President George W. Bush, who is facing calls to try to engage Syria over Iraq, on Wednesday criticized Damascus for its handling of human rights and actions in Lebanon.Arar still on U.S. watch list despite inquiry Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 10:44 AM
Maher Arar, a Syrian-Canadian man that the United States deported to Syria but who has been cleared of being a terrorist, remains on a U.S. watch list, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins says.Bush criticizes Syria; U.S. senator sees Assad Central Chronicle - Dec 14 10:01 AM
Washington, Dec 14: President George W. Bush sharply criticized Syria on Wednesday despite calls for him to engage with the country over Iraq, while a Democratic senator defied administration wishes and met Syria's president.Syria's Assad calls on West not to intervene in Lebanon AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 6:42 AM
Syria's president has called on world powers not to intervene in neighbouring Lebanon, where pro- and anti-Damascus forces are locked in a political standoff, saying the Lebanese can resolve their own problems.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq-Post AlertNet - Dec 15 3:06 PM
Source: Reuters (Adds quotes from Rice interview, paragraphs 10-11) WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's proposal that the Bush administration ... More than 800,000 Iraqis may be in Syria AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 13 6:27 AM
Syria has admitted more than 800,000 Iraqis who have fled the violence in their country, the official Al-Baath newspaper quoted Syria's Interior Ministry as saying Wednesday.Nelson travels to Syria Sun-Sentinel - Dec 14 12:15 AM
WASHINGTON · Syrian President Bashar Assad told U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Wednesday that he is willing to cooperate with the United States to control the porous border between Syria and Iraq used by insurgents.White House decries senators' visits to Syria Los Angeles Times - Dec 15 12:19 AM
WASHINGTON The White House on Thursday stepped up its pressure on senators who are engaged in direct talks with Syrian leaders, saying their trips to Damascus risk undermining U.S. efforts to encourage democracy in the Middle East.DPRK, Syria sign a cooperation agreement on security People's Daily - Dec 14 5:55 AM
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Syria on Thursday signed an agreement to strengthen mutual security cooperation, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.