US warns Syria over terrorism, WMD

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, September 17, 2003

US warns Syria over terrorism, WMD

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The United States on Tuesday stepped up pressure on Syria, warning that Damascus would be held accountable for efforts to seek weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and continued support to Islamic groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

"We've made it very clear to Syria what they need to do, that their behavior is unacceptable, and that they need to change theirbehavior," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.

McClellan accused Syria of seeking to develop unconventional weapons, supporting groups like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah, and failing to close its border to prevent Islamic extremists and terrorists from entering Iraq.

John Bolton, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, depicted Syria as a grave risk to US security at a hearing of the House of Representatives subcommitteeon the Middle East and Central Asia.

"While there is currently no information indicating that the Syrian government has transferred WMD to terrorist organizations or would permit such groups to acquire them, Syria's ties to numerous terrorist groups underlie the reasons for our continued anxiety," Bolton said.

"Syria allowed military equipment to flow into Iraq on the eve of and during the war. Syria permitted volunteers to pass into Iraq to attack and kill our service members during the war, and isstill doing so," he said.

"Although Damascus has increased its cooperation regarding Iraqsince the fall of the Iraqi regime," Bolton said, "its behavior during Operation Iraqi Freedom underscores the importance of taking seriously reports and information on Syria's WMD capabilities."

He warned Syria that it may see and feel "the logic of adverse consequences" when Washington gives up of the language of persuasion.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Powell Visit Softens Tension Between Washington, Damascus

US to Watch if Syria Takes Actions on Radical Groups: Powell

Syrian PM Resigns, Parliament Speaker Named New PM

China Sets to Put Brakes on Auto Industry ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Scientist Appeals for Checking Academic Corruption ( 2 Messages)

Think about the 2nd Anniversary of '9.11': Viewpoint ( 8 Messages)

High-tech Expo: Precious Chances for Investments ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Top Economists Denounce RMB Appreciation ( 2 Messages)