US Concerned About Renewed French Ties with Syria

Source: Al-Manar TV, 0-10-06-2008

The US State Department reacted with caution on Monday when asked about plans by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to renew ties with Syria, saying that Washington would discuss the issue with Paris.

"We look forward to continuing discussions with France on how to best support the Lebanese people to achieve their goals for a better future," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, adding Washington will ask Paris for clarification.

"At the same time, the United States has serious concerns over the Syrian government's behavior including its support of terrorism, clandestine nuclear program, facilitation of the passage of foreign fighters into Iraq, repression of its own people, and interference

in the affairs of its neighbors, including Lebanon," McCormack said.

Sarkozy plans to send two senior envoys to Syria as ties suspended last year over Lebanon's political crisis start to thaw, a source close to his office said on Saturday.

Sarkozy has also decided to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Paris on July 13 for talks on the proposed Mediterranean Union.