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

December

• Russian FM: Iran, Syria must be involved in Mideast talks RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2006 -- All Middle East nations, including Iran and Syria, must be involved in regional peace talks rather than isolated from the process, Russia's foreign minister said Wednesday.
• Syria ready to discuss Iraq with all concerned parties - president RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2006 -- Syria is ready to maintain dialogue on the situation in Iraq with all concerned parties, the Syrian leader said Tuesday.
• White House Denounces Visits to Syria by US Legislators VOA 15 Dec 2006 -- The White House says it is inappropriate for members of Congress to meet privately with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
• U.S. Will Not Allow Syria To Reassert Authority over Lebanon Washington File 12 Dec 2006 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed support for the Lebanese government and pro-democracy activists in Lebanon who have resisted Syrian control of their country, and said the United States will not compromise the future of Lebanon for its other interests in the Middle East.
• Rice: Direct Talks With Iran, Syria Not on US Agenda VOA 12 Dec 2006 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says direct talks with Iran and Syria on stabilizing Iraq are "not an issue" being considered by the Bush administration

November

• Iran: Rumors Persist That Syria Will Attend Iran-Iraq Summit RFE/RL 22 Nov 2006 -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani will go to Tehran on November 25 for a three-to-four day state visit.
• Iraq, Syria Restore Relations VOA 21 Nov 2006 -- Iraq and Syria have fully restored relations severed more than 25 years ago.
• Iraq, Syria Establish Diplomatic Relations RFE/RL 21 Nov 2006 -- The foreign ministers of Iraq and Syria jointly confirmed at a press conference today in Baghdad that their two countries have restored diplomatic ties.
• Iraq Says No Trilateral Summit With Syria, Iran RFE/RL 21 Nov 2006 -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani will visit Tehran on November 25-26 for a long-planned bilateral summit with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
• Iraqi, Syrian Officials Discuss Border Security VOA 20 Nov 2006 -- Iraqi and Syrian officials meeting in Baghdad continued talks on security and cooperation for a second day.
• Iraq: Syrian Minister In Baghdad As U.S. Mulls Options On Iraq RFE/RL 19 Nov 2006 -- Three years ago, when the U.S.-led international coalition toppled Saddam Hussein, optimism in Washington was high.
• Syrian Foreign Minister Meets Iraqi Leaders RFE/RL 19 Nov 2006 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mu'allim continues a visit to Iraq today with meetings in Baghdad with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani.
• Syrian Foreign Minister Visits Baghdad, Calls For Troop Withdrawal VOA 20 Nov 2006 -- Syria's foreign minister, on a diplomatic mission to Baghdad, has promised support for Iraq's government and called for a timetable for withdrawing foreign troops.
• Iran, Syria Continue To Show Destabilizing Behavior, Rice Says Washington File 15 Nov 2006 -- The Bush administration is willing to talk to Syria and Iran under the right circumstances, but both countries continue to demonstrate behavior that is destabilizing to the Middle East, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

October

• Syria Rejects Israeli Invitation for Summit in Jerusalem VOA 12 Oct 2006 -- Syria has rejected an Israeli invitation for a summit meeting in Jerusalem.

September

• Washington out of touch with anger of Arab world, Syrian minister tells UN UN News Centre 26 Sep 2006 -- United States officials are interpreting the actions of the people of the Middle East in a distorted manner in a bid to justify their policies to the detriment of all concerned, the Foreign Minister of Syria told the General Assembly today.
• Fourth Attacker on US Embassy in Syria Dies VOA 13 Sep 2006 -- Syria's official news agency says a fourth man involved in Tuesday's attempt to attack the U.S. embassy in Damascus has died of his injuries.
• US Praises Syria's Handling of Attack on US Embassy VOA 12 Sep 2006 -- The United States is praising the response of Syrian authorities to Tuesday's terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Damascus
• Car Bomb Attack Foiled on US Embassy in Damascus VOA 12 Sep 2006 -- Syrian security forces say they have foiled a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus.
• Syrian Security Repels Attack On U.S. Embassy RFE/RL 12 Sep 2006 -- Syria's interior minister says security forces killed three assailants who attacked the U.S. Embassy in Damascus.
• Bush Casts War On Terror As Ideological Struggle RFE/RL 12 Sep 2006 -- President George W. Bush went on national television in the United States last night and told Americans that the war on terror is nothing less than a struggle for civilization.
• Two car bombs found near U.S. Embassy in Syria RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2006 -- Two cars packed with explosives have been found near the U.S. Embassy in the Syrian capital after an attack on the mission Tuesday morning, a source in the local security services said.
• Syrian Forces Foil Attack on US Embassy in Damascus VOA 12 Sep 2006 -- The Syrian government says security forces killed three terrorists and wounded a fourth as they tried to detonate a car bomb outside the U.S. Embassy in Damascus early Tuesday.
• Cyprus Says Detained Ship Carrying Air Defence Radars to Syria VOA 11 Sep 2006 -- Authorities in Cyprus say they found what appears to be military radar equipment on a Syria-bound cargo ship detained on suspicion of arms smuggling.
• Syria agrees to help enforce arms embargo on its border with Lebanon, says Annan UN News Centre 01 Sep 2006 -- Syria agreed today to increase the number of guards on its border with Lebanon and "take all necessary measures" to curb the flow of arms to Hizbollah as stipulated in the United Nations resolution that ended the recent hostilities with Israel, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said after meeting Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
• Annan: Syria Agrees to Prevent Rearming of Hezbollah VOA 01 Sep 2006 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says Syria has indicated it will increase border security to prevent the flow of arms to Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrilla group.

August

• Syria does not accept int'l forces on its border with Lebanon IRNA 26 Aug 2006 -- Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora dismissed Israeli insistence that international forces be deployed on the Syrian border with Lebanon and said Lebanese troops already there posed no threat to Syria.
• US Blasts Syria on Lebanon Peacekeeping VOA 24 Aug 2006 -- The United States Thursday welcomed apparent progress in Europe toward fielding an upgraded U.N. peacekeeping force for Lebanon
• Syria Threatens to Close Border with Lebanon VOA 23 Aug 2006 -- Syria has threatened to close its border with Lebanon if the United Nations deploys peacekeepers in the area.
• Syria, Iran Must Stop Arming Hezbollah, U.S. Says Washington File 22 Aug 2006 -- Deeply concerned about the fragile peace in Lebanon, the United States has called on Syria and Iran to cut Hezbollah's weapons supply.
• U.S. Names Two Syrian Generals as Terror Supporters Washington File 15 Aug 2006 -- The U.S. Treasury Department August 15 froze the U.S.-based assets of two Syrian generals as a result of their support for terrorist organizations and their contributions to Syria's military occupation of Lebanon.
• Syria's Assad Says Hezbollah Victorious Against Israel VOA 15 Aug 2006 -- One day after a cease-fire between Hezbollah fighters and Israel, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the United States plan for a new Middle East has failed because of the achievements of Hezbollah against Israel.
• US Blasts Iran, Syria, for Lebanon Comments VOA 15 Aug 2006 -- The Bush administration Tuesday sharply criticized Iran and Syria for claiming victory for Hezbollah in the Lebanon conflict
• US Calls Lebanon Peace Deal Strategic Setback for Iran, Syria VOA 14 Aug 2006 -- The United States says the U.N. Security Council resolution on Lebanon, if successfully implemented, will be a strategic setback for Iran and Syria
• War in Lebanon: Pros and Cons of Talking with Syria VOA 10 Aug 2006 -- With the war in Lebanon entering it fifth week, some Middle East specialists and former policymakers are calling for the U.S. administration to talk with Syria about reining in Hezbollah.

July

• Rice Warns Iran, Syria Over Lebanon Cease-Fire RFE/RL 27 Jul 2006 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has warned Syria and Iran not to "torpedo" attempts to achieve a cease-fire in Lebanon.
• SYRIA: Palestinians stranded at border IRIN 24 Jul 2006 -- The UN is urgently appealing to Damascus to ease restrictions at the Syria-Lebanon border to allow Palestinians fleeing Lebanon to enter.
• Syria will react to any Israel military moves near its borders IRNA 23 Jul 2006 -- Damascus threatened to wage war against the Zionist regime if its military forces continue massive strikes on Lebanon and areas close to the Syrian borders.
• Syria Blocks U.N. Efforts To End Lebanon Crisis, U.S. Envoy Says Washington File 20 Jul 2006 -- Syria is becoming a serious stumbling block in international diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon, U.S. officials say.
• Israel Sees Lebanon Conflict Linked Directly to Syria, Iran VOA 20 Jul 2006 -- For over a week now - day after day - Israeli missiles and artillery shells have struck deep into Lebanon, while Katyusha rockets rained down on cities and towns of northern Israel
• Bush Accuses Iran, Syria Over Hizballah Attacks RFE/RL 19 Jul 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush has accused Iran and Syria of "inspiring" Hizballah attacks on Israel, and says Syria appears to be using the current crisis to reestablish its hold over Lebanon.
• Analysis: Iran and Syria Exploit Crisis cfr.org 19 Jul 2006 -- As Lebanon suffers under continuing rounds of Israeli air strikes, attention is turning to Iran and Syria and the role they are playing in the recent Mideast conflict.
• SYRIA: More assistance given to besieged Lebanese IRIN 18 Jul 2006 -- The government has set up four welcoming centres on the Syrian-Lebanese border to receive people fleeing ongoing aerial bombardments by Israel
• Bush: Syria 'Trying to Get Back Into Lebanon' VOA 18 Jul 2006 -- President Bush says the survival of the Lebanese government is crucial, and says he is concerned Syria appears to be looking for an opportunity to exert its influence once again.
• SYRIA: Powerful show of support for Lebanese IRIN 17 Jul 2006 -- A blood drive was launched in Syria on Monday, with residents of the capital receiving text messages from private mobile-phone operators urging them to donate blood for Lebanese victims of ongoing Israeli air assaults.
• US Accuses Iran, Syria of Complicity in Mideast Violence VOA 16 Jul 2006 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Iran and Syria are fomenting conflict in the Middle East by supporting Hezbollah and other militant groups.
• SYRIA: Damascus eases border crossing IRIN 16 Jul 2006 -- The government has facilitated the entry into Syria of thousands of Arab and foreign tourists who, for the last four days, have been fleeing Israeli aggression in Lebanon.
• US Blames Iran, Syria for Hezbollah Attack on Israel VOA 12 Jul 2006 -- The United States Wednesday demanded the immediate release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, and said it holds Iran and Syria responsible for the new outburst of Middle East violence

June

• Analysis: Bashar Clamps Down cfr.org 24 Jun 2006 -- It's not a good time to be an outspoken writer, lawyer, or democracy advocate in Damascus

May

• Security Council Urges Syria To Set Up Better Ties with Lebanon Washington File 17 May 2006 -- The Security Council May 17 pressed Syria to work with Lebanon to delineate a clear boundary and establish diplomatic relations.
• MOU and Agreement Signed between DPRK and Syria KCNA 16 May 2006 -- A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of housing and other construction and an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment were signed between the governments of the DPRK and Syria in Pyongyang on May 14.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Syrian Government Economic Delegation KCNA 16 May 2006 -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the Syrian government economic delegation led by Minister of Economy and Commerce Amer Hosni Lutfi at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Monday

April

• US, France Prepare Security Council Resolution Pressuring Syria VOA 27 Apr 2006 -- The United States and France are preparing a new U.N. Security Council resolution highlighting Syria's continuing interference in Lebanon.
• Syria Continues Interference in Lebanon, State Department Says Washington File 26 Apr 2006 -- Syria continues to interfere in Lebanon's affairs one year after the withdrawal of its military troops and assets, the State Department said in a statement April 26.
• Background Q&A: Syria: Has Assad Dodged a Bullet? cfr.org 26 Apr 2006 -- Last fall, the weight of international pressure fell hard on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
• Lebanon Challenges Syria on Disputed Border VOA 21 Apr 2006 -- Lebanon's prime minister, Fuad Siniora, has challenged Syria to establish diplomatic relations and demarcate their border
• UN Accuses Iran and Syria Of Interference in Lebanon VOA 19 Apr 2006 -- The United Nations is calling on Syria to establish normal diplomatic relations with Lebanon, and urging both countries to demarcate their common border.

March

• Lebanon: UN reports progress in Syrian cooperation with Hariri murder probe UN News Centre 16 Mar 2006 -- In contrast to earlier problems with Syrian cooperation, the United Nations panel looking into last year's assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri today reported progress in this "critical area," with a common understanding reached regarding access to individuals, sites and information.
• Investigators of Hariri Murder Want More Information from Syria Washington File 16 Mar 2006 -- Despite pledges of cooperation, Syria has yet to provide any substantive information to U.N. investigators on the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, the head of the inquiry said.

February

• Agreement on Air Service Signed between DPRK and Syria KCNA 25 Feb 2006 -- An agreement on air service between the governments of the DPRK and Syria was concluded in Damascus on Feb. 20.
• State Department To Grant $5 Million to Syrian Reform Projects Washington File 17 Feb 2006 -- The State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) announced February 17 that it will award $5 million in grants to Syrian reformers seeking to promote the rule of law, government accountability, free access to information, freedom of speech and free, fair elections.
• Rice Accuses Syria, Iran of Inflaming Muslim Sentiments Over Cartoons VOA 08 Feb 2006 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Syria and Iran have deliberately inflamed Muslim passions over cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad that have sparked massive protests
• Syria to Restore Full Diplomatic Ties with Iraq VOA 02 Feb 2006 -- Syria's foreign minister, Farouk al-Shara, says his government will exchange ambassadors with Baghdad when a new Iraqi government is formed.

January

• Bush Welcomes Release of Syrian Political Prisoners Washington File 24 Jan 2006 -- President Bush has welcomed Syria's recent release of five opposition activists imprisoned since 2001 and called for the release all remaining political prisoners in Syria.
• Iran/Syria: Increasingly Isolated Leaders Seek Mutual Support RFE/RL 20 Jan 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad arrived in Damascus on 19 January for a two-day visit to Syria -- his first since being elected in June.
• Iran: Ahmadinejad Visits Syria, May Sign Defense Pact RFE/RL 19 Jan 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is scheduled to arrive in Syria on 19 January for a two-day visit.
• US Sanctions Top Syrian Official VOA 18 Jan 2006 -- The United States is taking action against Syria's military spy chief.
• Rice Calls on Syria To Comply with U.N. Security Council Demands Washington File 11 Jan 2006 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on Syria to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions that it cooperate with the investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and end its support of armed militias and terrorist groups inside Lebanon.
• Rice: Syria Obstructing Hariri Assassination Probe VOA 11 Jan 2006 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Wednesday accused Syria of obstructing the U.N. inquiry into last year's assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
• Syria's Assad Rejects UN Commission Interview Request VOA 07 Jan 2006 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has rejected a United Nations request to be interviewed as part of an investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
• Former Syrian VP Calls for Assad's Overthrow VOA 07 Jan 2006 -- Syria's former vice president has called for the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, saying it is corrupt and incapable of reform.
• Syrian President, Foreign Minister Sought for U.N. Commission Interviews VOA 06 Jan 2006 -- A United Nations commission has asked to interview Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara regarding the murder of Lebanese ex-Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in early 2005.
• Syria's Ruling Party Expels Former VP as Demands Mount for Treason Trial VOA 06 Ja 2006 -- Syria's ruling Baath party has expelled former Vice President Abdel-Halim Khaddam and demanded he be tried for treason. Sunday's action came two days after Mr. Khaddam implicated President Bashar al-Assad in the February 14 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a staunch opponent of Syrian domination.