During his meeting yesterday with a delegation from the Iraqi National Tribal Council, headed by Sheikh Ali Hussein al-Shaalan, Khaddam denied that Syria posed a threat or source of tension to U.S. stability, expressing his hope that some American politicians would appreciate the concerns and interests of others.
Syria’s Policy is Clear He described these pressures as purely media-driven, pointing out that “Syria is a country with a clear national policy, ambitions, and occupied land, in addition to the issues of Palestine and Iraq, which are central concerns for Syria.”
He added, “Our doors are open for dialogue with all Iraqi brothers, with the Iraqi people in all their diversity and segments. Additionally, many members of the Iraqi Governing Council are friends of Syria, and most of them still have offices here.” He emphasized the need to distinguish between the motives behind the formation of the Governing Council and the forces shaping it.
Against Assassinations Regarding the security situation in Iraq, Khaddam affirmed that assassinations are not the right way to address difficult circumstances, noting that “when the state disappears, security vanishes, and the country turns into a jungle.”
On the possibility of dividing Iraq, the Syrian Vice President stated that all Iraqi authorities and factions agree on the danger of falling into such a situation.
He said, “We trust the patriotism and courage of our Iraqi brothers to preserve the unity and national sovereignty of their country.”
