Syrian FM pledges support for Iraq

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 11-20-2006 10:11

Visiting Syrian foreign minister Walid Al-Moualem has pledged his support for the Iraqi government. He also says a US timetable for troop withdrawal will help reduce violence in the war-torn country.

This is the first time that a Syrian cabinet minister has visited Iraq since the war erupted more than 3 and a half years ago. Bilateral relations have been strained since then. And like many other Arab governments, Syria has been wary of the close ties between Iraq's current Shi'ite-led administration and Washington. But the Foreign Minister's message was supportive.

He said: "Syria supports the political process and the elected Iraqi government and supports the efforts for national reconciliation."

The continuing violence in Iraq has prompted criticism that Syria and Iran should play a more active role in helping to stabilize the situation. And while Washington has accused Syria of doing too little to prevent Islamist fighters from crossing the border into Iraq. Syria counters that the US military presence should end soon to reduce the violence.

"We believe that a timetable for the pulling out of foreign troops from Iraq will help reduce violence and maintain security in Iraq." He said.

The Bush Administration is under growing pressure to begin withdrawing the 140,000 US troops currently in the country. And White House allies have begun to urge talks with Syria and Iran, in hopes of stabilizing the region.

Editor:Wang Ping