Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4-15-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL-SYRIA (L)

NUMBER=2-302239

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: 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. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell, in a session with foreign journalists in Washington, reiterated charges that Syria may have given safe haven to senior officials of the former Iraqi government, and also said the United States has concerns about some Iranian policies. But under questioning, he flatly rejected the idea that the Bush administration has a plan to spread U-S values in the Middle East or elsewhere at the point of a gun:

///POWELL ACTUALITY///

There is no list. There is no war plan right now to go attack someone else, either for the purpose of overthrowing their leadership or for the purpose of imposing democratic values. Democratic values have to ultimately come within a society and within a nation.

///END ACT///

The Secretary said the United States has raised "rather directly and forcefully" with Syria its concerns that it may be sheltering Iraqis suspected of crimes. He said he hopes Syria understands there is a "new environment" in the region with the end of the Saddam Hussein regime and that it will reconsider its policies. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/FC