US House Committee passes bill on Syria sanctions

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, October 09, 2003

US House Committee passes bill on Syria sanctions

The United Sates House of Representatives International Relations Committee on Wednesday approved overwhelmingly weapons sanctions and other penalties on Syria.

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The United Sates House of Representatives International Relations Committee on Wednesday approved overwhelmingly weapons sanctions and other penalties on Syria.

It came amid mounting criticism of Syria over terrorism by US lawmakers and the Bush administration.

The "Syria Accountability Act", approved 33-2, demands Damascus end its alleged support for terrorist groups, withdraw troops from Lebanon, stop the flow of armed fighters into Iraq, and halt development and procurement of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.

Among the bill's possible sanctions were a ban on US exports to and investments in Syria, downgrading of diplomatic contacts, and freezing of Syrian government assets in the United States.

Sponsors said the bill, if approved by Congress, will give the Bush administration more leverage to pressure Damascus on alleged support for terrorist groups, weapons of mass destruction, and Syrian involvement in Lebanon.

The legislation has now gone to the full House for vote.

The Syrian government said the legislation would have a negative effect on its relations with the United States.

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