Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4-17-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL/SYRIA (S-O)

NUMBER=2-302315

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: 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. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell gave no dates for a Damascus visit, which would be his first since last April. But he told The Associated Press he expects to make the trip to continue what he says has been a "very vigorous" diplomatic exchange with authorities there over U-S concerns stemming from the Iraq war, including information that figures from the Saddam Hussein regime have found refuge in Syria.

/// POWELL ACTY ///

We have been candid with the Syrians, and we have also made it clear to the Syrians that we do not think it would be in their interest to be a draw from people who are trying to either get out of Iraq, or get out of other places in the world, and find a safe-haven.

/// END ACT ///

State Department officials say a Powell visit to Syria may be part of a broader Middle East trip to launch the four-party international "roadmap" for an Israeli-Palestinian peace, after Mahmoud Abbas is confirmed as the new Palestinian prime minister. Mr. Powell promised "much more active" U-S engagement on the issue, once the Palestinian Authority has what he termed "transformed leadership." (SIGNED)

NEB/DAG/TW/rae