Abdel Salam Jalloud, was joined in Moscow Tuesday by Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam — bringing together the Soviet Union’s two closest Middle Eastern allies for what diplomats believed were talks on the U.S. threat to retaliate for terrorist attacks.
One day after Jalloud’s arrival in Moscow, Khaddam flew into the capital and was greeted by Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Vladimir Lomeiko said the talks with Khaddam would cover ‘in particular questions concerning U.S. aggressive actions against Libya.’
Although a number of Soviet interests in the region could be on the agenda, the chief concern involving both Syria and Libya is Washington’s warning that it will strike at countries it holds responsible for terrorist attacks.
‘It’s not a coincidence they are both here. These guys are obviously the source of American and Israeli anger,’ said one Western diplomat. ‘The Soviets are probably looking for some coordinated action.’
The ‘working visits’ of the two men, at the invitation of the Soviet government, came exactly six weeks after U.S. warplanes struck Libya in reprisal for its alleged role in the bombing of a West Berlin disco frequented by American servicemen.
Since the air strike, there have been charges that Syria was behind a number of terrorist attacks, raising speculation on more U.S. reprisals.
Before Khaddam arrived, diplomats said the Soviets might try to press Syria to help free some of the French hostages kidnapped in Lebanon, where the Damascus government is influential.
