Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam issued a warning in Paris yesterday regarding the potential consequences of an American military intervention in Iraq. He emphasized that such intervention would result in “serious consequences” for the entire Middle East region. Following a meeting with French President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace, Khaddam highlighted the alignment of French and Syrian perspectives on the Iraqi issue.
Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Our discussions have been in line with the objective of ensuring security and stability in the region and avoiding any military operations in Iraq.”
Khaddam further added, “A military intervention against Iraq would not only have severe repercussions for Iraq itself but also for the entire region and even beyond.”
When asked about the potential return of international disarmament inspectors to Iraq, Khaddam emphasized that “all these matters will be discussed between the United Nations and Iraq.”
Concluding the talks, the Elysee Palace announced, “The President of the Republic presented France’s position, which he had previously expressed publicly during the ambassadors’ meeting and in Johannesburg” on the sidelines of the Earth Summit.
Chirac expressed his opposition to any “unilateral” action, emphasizing that the decision regarding a possible intervention in Iraq should be made by the UN Security Council if Baghdad continues to refuse the return of disarmament inspectors.
The Elysee further stated that Chirac and Khaddam also discussed various regional issues, including the situation between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as the relations between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.
Khaddam praised the role of France, considering it a key player in the region. He expressed high appreciation for President Chirac’s policy, noting his understanding of the complexities of the Middle East.
At the bilateral level, Chirac and Khaddam discussed “the progress of administrative cooperation” as France can provide assistance in modernizing the Syrian administration, as stated by the Elysee Palac
