2003 Syria Special Weapons News

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

December

ISRAEL/SYRIA VOA 28 Dec 2003 -- Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, says he is considering a recent overture from Syria to restart peace talks.
State's Armitage Attributes Positive Developments to Steadfast Policies Washington File 24 Dec 2003 -- Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage dismissed the idea that recent actions on the part of Libya, Syria and Iran were a reaction to the capture of Saddam Hussein but asserted that they are the long-term fruit of persistent policies aimed at bringing these nations into the international mainstream.
UK after trilateral approach to Syria IRNA 23 Dec 2003 -- Britain was reported Tuesday to be seeking to use the combined weight of the European Union`s "big three" countries to put pressure on Syria over weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and Iraq.
Bush Statement on Signing "Syria Accountability" Legislation Washington File 13 Dec 2003 -- On Friday, December 12, 2003, President Bush signed into law H.R. 1828, the "Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003." The legislation calls on the president to impose sanctions on Syria to discourage support for international terrorist groups and the occupation of Lebanon.
U-S/SYRIA/ASSAD VOA 01 Dec 2003 -- The United States had a cool response Monday to interview remarks by Syrian President Bashar Assad in which he accused the Bush administration of neglecting the Syrian-Israeli track of the stalled Middle East peace process. U-S officials say the Syrian leader should make good on pledges to shut down activities in Syria of groups violently opposed to peace efforts.
November
CONGRESS / SYRIA VOA 20 Nov 2003 -- The U-S House of Representatives has given final approval to new sanctions against Syria and sent the bill to President Bush for his signature. The measure aims to press Damascus to end what the United States says is its support for terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
Syria warns Israel over dumping nuclear waste in its lands IRNA 20 Nov 2003 -- Syria on Wednesday warned Israel over dumping nuclear waste in the Syrian lands of Golan Heights.
U.S. Senate Approves Legislation to Impose Sanctions on Syria Washington File 14 Nov 2003 -- The U.S. Senate joined the House of Representatives in approving legislation to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions on Syria to force it to stop sponsoring terrorism, halt development of chemical and biological weapons, and withdraw its military forces from Lebanon.
CONGRESS SYRIA VOA 11 Nov 2003 -- The U-S Senate Tuesday approved new sanctions against Syria in an effort to press Damascus to end what lawmakers say is its support for terrorism and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
October
Administration Expresses Growing Concern Over Syria's Actions Washington File 31 Oct 2003 -- Syria's responses to the administration's concerns outlined by Secretary of State Colin Powell in his visit to Damascus last May "fall short of what is necessary," according to Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns.
Bush Administration Hardens Policy toward Syria Washington File 30 Oct 2003 -- In a tangible shift of the White House's policy regarding the Syria Accountability Act, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns said the pending legislation would address U.S. concerns about Syrian behavior.
SYRIA/US VOA 29 Oct 2003 -- Recent U-S moves to isolate Syria are leading Arab analysts to believe Damascus is facing a threat from Israel. Recent developments have regional analysts speculating.
Prelude to U.S. Operation to Attack Syria Assailed KCNA 29 Oct 2003 -- The U.S. House of Representatives recently decided to impose sanctions on Syria. It made the decision while pulling up Syria over the issue of "harbouring terrorists" and "developing weapons of mass destruction".
CONGRESS / IRAN / SYRIA VOA 28 Oct 2003 -- U-S policy toward key countries in the Middle East against the backdrop of continuing challenges to the U-S military occupation of Iraq. With terrorist attacks in Iraq continuing, many lawmakers are concerned about the attitudes of Syria and Iran, and are debating how the United States should handle relations with Damascus and Teheran in the continuing war on terror.
EDITORIAL: SYRIA SUPPORTS TERRORISM VOA 17 Oct 2003 -- Earlier this month, Israel bombed the Ein Sahab terrorist training camp inside Syria. The Israeli action was in response to a suicide bombing at a restaurant in Haifa, Israel, that killed nineteen people, both Jews and Arabs.
U.S. House Approves Legislation To Impose Sanctions on Syria Washington File 16 Oct 2003 -- Congressional Report, October 16: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan Issues
SYRIA / U-S VOA 16 Oct 2003 -- Arab reaction to Wednesday's vote in the U-S House of Representatives to impose sanctions on Syria has been swift and critical. The legislation, which must still be considered by the U-S Senate, would require President Bush to impose sanctions on Damascus because of its alleged support for terrorists. Many people in the Arab world have rejected the allegation.
CONGRESS/SYRIA VOA 15 Oct 2003 -- Legislation that would require President Bush to impose sanctions on the government of Syria has been overwhelmingly approved (398-5) Wednesday by the House of Representatives. The "Syria Accountability Act" will be debated later this month in the Senate where it also have strong bipartisan support:
SYRIA AND TERRORISM VOA 15 Oct 2003 -- Israeli planes bombed a terrorist training camp in Syria. The strike was retaliation for a terrorist suicide bombing at a restaurant in Haifa in which nineteen people, including children were murdered. Islamic Jihad, long harbored in Syria, claimed responsibility for the killings in Haifa. Syria has also given safe haven to other terrorist groups, including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command. U-S officials say that terrorists operating out of Syria have also targeted Americans. Under Secretary of State John Bolton says that "Syria permitted volunteers to pass into Iraq to attack and kill our service members during the war and is still doing so." Will Syria continue to support terrorists?
CONGRESS/SYRIA VOA 14 Oct 2003 -- Legislation that would require President Bush to impose sanctions on the government of Syria is expected to be approved easily later today (Wednesday) by the House of Representatives. The "Syria Accountability Act" has strong support among Democrats and Republicans in both chambers of Congress.
House Committee Approves Imposing Sanctions on Syria Washington File 08 Oct 2003 -- The House of Representatives' International Relations Committee overwhelmingly approved legislation October 8 that would impose limited sanctions against Syria.
U-S / SYRIA VOA 02 Oct 2003-- The Bush administration charges Syria is not cooperating fully in the war on terrorism, and believes Damascus is seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction. The administration's tough stand appears to be adding momentum to proposed legislation in the U-S Congress that would impose a range of sanctions on Syria.
September
Syria: Washington Reasserts Accusation Of Misbehavior By Damascus RFE/RL 17 Sep 2003 -- For the second time this year, the United States is publicly accusing Syria of interfering in U.S.-led military operations in Iraq. Yet again, at least according to one veteran foreign affairs analyst, the accusations do not presage hostile intent, but are merely efforts to maintain U.S. political pressure on Damascus.
White House Calls Syria's Behavior "Unacceptable" Washington File 16 Sept 2003-- White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters September 16 that Syria "has a history and continues to harbor and assist terrorists and terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and others."
Testimony of John R. Bolton Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Before the House International Relations Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia, September 16, 2003
CONGRESS/SYRIA VOA 16 Sept 2003-- The Bush administration has renewed allegations Syria is still not cooperating fully with the war on terrorism. The statement by Undersecretary of State John Bolton came at a congressional hearing examining what many lawmakers believe is continuing Syrian support of Middle East-based terrorist groups and development of weapons of mass destruction.
SYRIA / U-S VOA 16 Sept 2003-- Syrian officials say Damascus is willing to cooperate with the United States in combating international terrorism
Iran, Syria stress withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq IRNA 09 Sep 2003 -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and Syrian Vice President Abdel-Halim Khaddam stressed here Monday the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq.
August
EDITORIAL: IRAN AND SYRIA HARBOR TERRORISTS VOA 08 Aug 2003 -- Governments throughout the Middle East must stand for peace by fighting terrorism. President George W. Bush says terrorism is the greatest obstacle to the emergence of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with Israel
July
Bush Warns Syria and Iran They Will be Held Accountable for Supporting Terrorists VOA News 21 Jul 2003 -- President Bush is warning Iran and Syria not to help militants who seek to subvert the Mideast peace process. During a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the president's Texas ranch, Mr. Bush also discussed trouble spots in Africa and Asia.
BUSH / BERLUSCONI WRAP VOA 21 Jul 2003 -- President Bush is warning Iran and Syria not to help militants who seek to subvert the Mideast peace process. During a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the president's Texas ranch, Mr. Bush also discussed trouble spots in Africa and Asia.
BUSH-MIDEAST TERRORISM VOA 21 Jul 2003 -- President Bush says Syria and Iran are continuing to harbor terrorists, and such behavior will not be tolerated. The warning came during a joint news conference at the president's Texas ranch with visiting Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
June
UN envoy stresses inclusion of Syria and Lebanon in Middle East peace process UN News Centre 27 Jun 2003 -- A senior United Nations envoy, Terje Roed-Larsen, arrived today in Beirut for the start of a regional tour that follows-up on Sunday's meeting of the diplomatic Quartet in Jordan, stressing again the importance of including Syria and Lebanon in the Middle East peace process.
Powell Says Iran, Syria Should Join Peace Process Washington File 26 Jun 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Syria and Iran to reject support for terrorist groups and join other countries in the region in seeking a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict between Arabs and Israelis.
Damascus Demands Return of Syrian Border Guards by US VOA News 26 Jun 2003 -- Syria's news agency says Washington has not responded to complaints from Damascus about Syrian border guards detained by U.S. forces in Iraq. The guards were taken into custody during a raid on an Iraqi convoy headed toward the Syrian border.
Syria Protests to US Over Last Weeks Strike in Iraq VOA News 25 Jun 2003 -- Syria says it has protested last week's U.S. military strike near its Iraqi border in which several Syrian border guards were wounded.
EDITORIAL: TERRORISTS IN SYRIA VOA 25 Jun 2003 -- The United States is continuing to press the Syrian government to stop supporting Palestinian terrorists operating from Syria and Syrian-controlled parts of Lebanon. So far, as U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said, the steps Syria has taken are "totally inadequate."
May
SYRIA/IRAQ/UN VOA 23 May 2003 -- Syria's state news agency reported Friday that Damascus supports lifting United Nations sanctions on Iraq, even if it did not cast a vote on the measure.
EDITORIAL: REFORM NEEDED IN SYRIA VOA 16 May 2003 -- Corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to progress in Arab countries. In Syria, when Bashar Assad became president three years ago, he promised to fight corruption. But reforms were never carried out and little changed.
EDITORIAL: SYRIA SPONSORS TERRORISM VOA 15 May 2003 -- Terrorists are finding it increasingly difficult to find state sponsors. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell explains why
SYRIA/KHATAMI VOA 15 May 2003 -- Iran's president is in Syria for talks expected to focus on U-S pressure for an end to support for terrorist organizations.
EDITORIAL: A NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR SYRIA VOA 08 May 2003 -- The liberation of Iraq has created an opportunity to promote a settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
POWELL VISITS SYRIA VOA 07 May 2003 -- The American press is generally pleased with the recent announcement Damascus was closing offices of some militant anti-Israeli groups that followed a visit by U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell to Syria. U-S papers feel that now that Iraq has fallen, Syria may be rethinking its relations with both the United States and its Middle Eastern neighbors.
Powell Tells al-Asad Syria Faces a "New Strategic Environment" Washington File 05 May 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell has told Syrian President Bashar al-Asad that the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq has created a "new strategic environment" in the Middle East, and it is in Sryia's interest to improve its ties with the United States, said a senior State Department official following Powell's meeting with al-Asad in Damascus May 3.
Transcript: Powell Says U.S. Watching Syria's Anti-Terrorist Actions Washington File 04 May 2003 -- In a May 4 interview on ABC's This Week, Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States will "be watching" to see whether or not Syria carries out its promises to shut down terrorist offices operating in its country and restrict the activities of terrorists in other ways.
Transcript: Powell Calls Syria's Anti-Terrorist "Performance" Key Washington File 04 May 2003 -- In a May 4 interview on CBS's Face the Nation, Secretary of State Colin Powell said it was "significant" that Syria reportedly will close offices being used by terrorists in their country and restrict their activities in other ways.
Powell Calls for Cooperation from Syria in "New Situation" in Mideast Washington File 04 May 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell, just returned from talks in Damascus and Beirut, said in Sunday talk show interviews May 4 that, given the new situation in the region, the United States will be looking for performance from Syria on a number of issues, and is interested in a comprehensive Middle East settlement that takes into account the interests of Syria and Lebanon, as well as those of Israel and the Palestinians.
Powell Calls on Syria to Adapt to "New Strategic Situation" Washington File 04 May 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell, briefing reporters in Beirut May 3 after talks with Lebanese leaders and talks earlier the same day in Damascus with Syrian leaders, said the United States was committed to a comprehensive regional settlement that includes those two countries.
SYRIA/POWELL/REACT VOA 04 May 2003 -- There is a mixed response from Syrian media to Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit Saturday to Damascus. While some view the visit as beneficial, others say the United States needs to drop its demand that Syria close offices of Palestinian groups the United States views as terrorist organizations.
Powell Outlines Objectives of Talks with Syrian Leaders Washington File 03 May 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaking May 3 in Damascus shortly before beginning talks with Syrian President Bashar Asad, told reporters he would be discussing organizations with headquarters in Syria that have "rejectionist agendas," weapons of mass destruction development, sealing of borders with Iraq -- all within the context of the changed situation in Iraq and release of the roadmap to Middle East peace.
POWELL-SYRIA-LEBANON VOA 03 May 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell met Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus on the first of what will be two trips to the region in the span of a week aimed at early progress on the international "roadmap" for Middle East peace. He was to stop in Lebanon later Saturday and return to the Middle East for a more extensive visit and talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders next week.
POWELL / SYRIA VOA 02 May 2003 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Damascus on the first of two Middle East trips in the span of a week. The visits are aimed at restarting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process through the international "roadmap" released earlier this week. Mr. Powell says the United States' aim is a comprehensive peace settlement including Syria, but to do so that government must cut ties to radical anti-Israel groups.
POWELL / SYRIA VOA 02 May 2003 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Damascus on the first of two Middle East trips in the span of a week. The visits are aimed at restarting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process through the international "roadmap" released earlier this week. Mr. Powell said the United States' aim is a comprehensive peace settlement including Syria, but to do so that government must cut ties to radical anti-Israel groups.
POWELL-SYRIA VOA 02 May 2003-- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell (after a brief visit to Albania) flies to Damascus later today (Friday) as he begins the first of two Middle East trips in rapid order to seek early progress on the international "road map" for an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. Mr. Powell says Syria must end support for terrorism if it wants to be part of a comprehensive regional peace settlement
April
Powell to Visit Spain, Albania, Syria, Lebanon Washington File 29 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell will travel to Spain, Albania, Syria and Lebanon May 1-3 to discuss bilateral relations, the liberation and future of Iraq, and U.S. efforts to advance peace in the Middle East.
SYRIA - US RELATIONS VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- No sooner had combat operations ended in Iraq than several top Bush Administration officials issued stern warnings to Syria that it must cooperate with the United States or face some kind of retaliation. The sharp warnings surprised many, but some observers say it was to be expected. They point out that elements in Washington would like to see Syria treated more harshly than it has been in previous years as part of the Administration's war on terror.
SYRIA'S CHOICE VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- As the war for Iraq came to a close, the United States accused neighboring Syria of harboring former Iraqi officials who were implicated in the cruelty of Saddam Hussein's regime. President George W. Bush called on Syria to stop giving shelter to Iraqis sought by coalition forces. But that's only one of the concerns the United States expressed about Syria. U-S Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said that Syria, which harbors terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas, has been testing chemical weapons. One of the main reasons the U-S gave for toppling Saddam Hussein in Iraq was the need to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and states that harbor terrorists. U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell warned Syria to change its behavior, but he also tried to reassure allies that the U-S was not threatening military action against Syria.
MURPHY-SYRIA VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- Earlier today I spoke with former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Richard Murphynow with the council on foreign relations in New York. We talked about the U.S. Syria relationship, Washington accusing Damascus of harboring fleeing Iraqi leaders and weapons of mass destructionDamascus denying all this. And I asked the ambassador to characterize the state of affairs.
Boucher Says Syria Taking U.S. Concerns Seriously Washington File 21 Apr 2003 -- State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States is "seeing some progress" in its efforts to get Syrian cooperation to close its border with Iraq to all non-humanitarian traffic, and said the government in Damascus has taken steps and shown "they are taking our concerns seriously."
BUSH / SYRIA VOA 20 Apr 2003 -- President Bush says there are signs Syria is heeding American calls not to harbor officials from the ousted regime of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Just hours before Mr. Bush spoke, two U-S congressmen met in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
U-S/SYRIA VOA 20 Apr 2003 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has met with two members of the United States Congress. They are the first American elected officials to travel to Damascus since the escalation of tensions between Syria and the United States. Syria has denied U-S allegations that it is sheltering former Iraqi officials and has been developing chemical weapons.
Powell Urges Syria to Reconsider Its Policies Washington File 18 Apr 2003 -- The United States has no plan to invade Syria, despite clear indications that Syria is developing weapons of mass destruction, Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a television interview April 17.
RABIL-MIDDLE EAST VOA 18 Apr 2003 -- VOA's David Borgida speaks with Dr. Robert Rabil with the Iraq Research and Documentation Project about the current situation in the Middle East.
SYRIA'S CHOICE VOA 18 Apr 2003 -- As the war for Iraq came to a close, the United States accused neighboring Syria of harboring former Iraqi officials who were implicated in the cruelty of Saddam Hussein's regime. President George W. Bush called on Syria to stop giving shelter to Iraqis sought by coalition forces. But that's only one of the concerns the United States expressed about Syria. U-S Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said that Syria, which harbors terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas, has been testing chemical weapons. One of the main reasons the U-S gave for toppling Saddam Hussein in Iraq was the need to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and states that harbor terrorists. U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell warned Syria to change its behavior, but he also tried to reassure allies that the U-S was not threatening military action against Syria.
Powell Expects to Visit Damascus for "Candid" Discussions Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says he expects to visit Damascus for "candid and straightforward discussions" with Syrian President Bashar Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk Shara.
BYMAN-IRAN AND SYRIA VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Joining us now, Professor Daniel Byman, of Georgetown University's Security Studies Program. Dr. Byman is also a Senior Fellow at the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution here in Washington. Thanks for joining us. A lot to talk about. I would like to focus on Iran and Syria for our segment.
POWELL/SYRIA VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says he expects to travel to Syria to continue what he says have been "candid" exchanges with that country over U-S charges it has been developing chemical weapons and providing a haven for senior officials from the former Iraqi government.
PENTAGON / SYRIA VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Top Pentagon officials now believe some of Iraq's most wanted leaders are hiding in Syria.
POWELL / SYRIA / MIDEAST VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell plans a Middle East trip soon to launch what he says will be a "much more active" U-S role in efforts to get an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. The trip is expected to include a stop in Syria despite U-S charges that country has been developing chemical weapons and sheltering officials of the former Iraqi government.
Greetings to Syrian President VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il today sent a message of greetings to Bashar al Assad, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Arab Socialist Baath Party and President of Syria, on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of its independence.
Transcript: State's Bolton Says Iraq a Lesson for Syria, Libya, Iran Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- "The United States is very concerned that states seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction give up that quest, and that they live within the commitments that they've made in such things as the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the chemical weapons convention, and the biological weapons convention," said the State Department's John Bolton in an interview with Radio Sawa.
IRAQ - SYRIA VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- The United States has accused Syria of sheltering officials from the ousted Iraqi government, but Syria has denied the charges. Iraq and Syria share a sense of animosity toward the West, but they have a history of mutual distrust.
SYRIA/REACT VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Despite recent assurances by U-S officials that the United States is not considering military action against Syria, the assurances have done little to ease concerns in Damascus. U-S officials, for example, have not withdrawn allegations that Syria is producing chemical weapons and harboring senior officials from the government of Saddam Hussein.
U-N/ SYRIA VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- At the United Nations today (Wednesday) Syria circulated a draft resolution calling on the Security Council to help the Middle East become a region that is free of weapons of mass destruction. The resolution is aimed at Israel.
Bush, Chirac Discuss Iraq, Syria, Middle East "Road Map" Washington File 15 Apr 2003 -- President Jacques Chirac of France phoned President Bush April 15 and the two leaders discussed Iraq, Syria, and the "road map" to peace in the Middle East, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said at his daily briefing.
U.S. Has No Further War Plans, Powell Says Washington File 15 Apr 2003 -- Despite serious concerns about weapons of mass destruction in Syria and Iran, the United States has no plans for further military action in the region, says Secretary of State Colin Powell.
POWELL-SYRIA VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell Tuesday said the United States has concerns about the policies of Syria and Iran, but said there is no U-S list, or war plan, to attack other countries following the military campaign in Iraq.
TROUBLES WITH SYRIA VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- With U-S intelligence reporting that some high ranking Iraqi leaders have escaped over the border to Syria, rhetoric from the White House aimed at Damascus is heating up.
POWELL-SYRIA VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell moved Tuesday to ease concerns in the Middle East that the Bush administration might be contemplating military action against other countries following the campaign in Iraq. Mr. Powell said the United States has concerns about the policies of Syria and Iran, but said there is no U-S list, or war plan, to attack other countries.
Annan concerned that statements about Syria not further destabilize Middle East UN News Centre 15 Apr 2003 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has voiced his concern that recent statements directed at Syria should not contribute to a wider destabilization in a region already affected heavily by the war in Iraq.
White House Warns "Syria Needs to Cooperate" Washington File 14 Apr 2003 -- The White House April 14 called Syria a "rogue nation" and a "terrorist state," and White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer reiterated President Bush's warning that "Syria needs to cooperate."
Syria Needs to Think about Its Future, Reeker Says Washington File 14 Apr 2003 -- Syria needs to think about its future, advised Philip Reeker, deputy spokesman for the Department of State.
POWELL-IRAQ-SYRIA VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell Monday raised the possibility of U-S punitive measures against Syria, which the Bush administration believes may be developing chemical weapons and giving safe-haven to former members of the ousted Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.
EDITORIAL: SYRIA, OTHERS HAVE CHOICE TO MAKE VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Many countries have been helpful to the U.S.-led coalition in its fight to disarm the Saddam Hussein regime and liberate the Iraqi people. But some countries have been the opposite.
U-S / SYRIA REACT VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- U-S officials, including President Bush, have accused Syria of possessing chemical weapons and of sheltering senior Iraqi officials. Syrian officials have denied possessing any weapons of mass destruction or that its government had ever cooperated with the regime of Saddam Hussein.
IS SYRIA NEXT?-UPDATE VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- The Bush administration is reviewing relations with Syria in light of charges that Damascus is providing aid and refuge to the ousted Iraqi government and is developing weapons of mass destruction. Stepped up U-S criticism of Syria is raising questions about whether a country accused by the United States of supporting terrorism could become the next U-S military target.
E-U / FOREIGN MINISTERS VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- A top European Union official has called for a reduction in rhetoric about Syria. E-U Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana did not specifically mention the United States, but his remarks follow warnings from U-S officials that Syria not provide safe haven for former leaders of the Saddam Hussein regime.
BRITAIN/SYRIA VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Britain says it is in high-level discussions with Syrian leaders amid U-S accusations that Syria is hiding chemical weapons and helping former Iraqi officials.
BRITAIN/SYRIA VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Britain says it cannot confirm that Syria possesses chemical weapons. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw commented on the issue a day after President Bush said he believes there are chemical weapons in Syria.
ISRAEL/U-S/SYRIA VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Israel is welcoming stepped-up pressure by the Bush administration against Syria. Israel's defense minister says his country has a list of demands for Damascus that it wants the Americans to pass on.
SYRIA / IRAQ VOA 13 Apr 2003 -- A senior Syrian leader is denying allegations that his country is allowing high-level Iraqis from Saddam Hussein's toppled government to enter Syria.
POWELL / SYRIA VOA 13 Apr 2003 -- The United States is warning Syria against granting asylum to high-level officials of the toppled Saddam Hussein government of Iraq. Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed the issue on British television Sunday.
March

February
CONGRESS / ISRAEL / TERRORISM VOA 25 Feb 2003 -- U-S lawmakers who have just returned from a visit to Israel are calling for a sharper focus on the role of Syria and Iran in supporting international terrorism, and potential threats of weapons of mass destruction.
January
Daily Press Briefing State Department 16 Jan 2003 -- Russian Assistance to Syrian Nuclear Power Program

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2003 Syria Special Weapons News