http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040415-011235-
9442r.htm

Iraq opposes Arab forces
 
 

DAMASCUS, Syria, April 15 (UPI) -- Diplomats in Syria said
Thursday Iraq opposes the presence of Arab forces in the country
"under the banner of the U.S. occupation."

The diplomats told UPI Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa
told Arab ambassadors in Damascus during a meeting Wednesday
Iraqi leaders did not want Arab forces in their country.

They quoted Mousa as saying political and tribal leaders said they
would only accept Arab forces "within the framework of the U.N. and
after a Security Council resolution that arranges a mechanism for
administering Iraq."

The Iraqis reportedly told the chief of the 22-member League they
would deal with the Arab forces as "occupation forces if they come
under the flag of the coalition forces."

One diplomat quoted Mousa as telling the ambassadors: "I cannot
imagine there is an Arab who would accept taking part in the siege of
Fallujah."

Mousa's meeting with the Arab envoys came on the eve of a visit by
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage to the region to
discuss Arab participation in restoring stability in Iraq.
Syria: U.S. needs us in Iraq

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040416-081618-
4483r.htm
 

DAMASCUS, Syria, April 16 (UPI) -- The United States needs Syria's
assistance in restoring peace and security in neighboring Iraq,
according to official Syrian sources Friday.

Commenting on a letter sent by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell
to the Syrian leadership asking for its assistance in Iraq, the sources
said, "It shows the extent of the trap in which the U.S. has found itself
and underscores American need for a Syrian role in Iraq."

The sources said Washington is becoming more aware of the need
for a U.N. role and the assistance of Iraq's neighbors and that
unilateral action is fruitless.

"This prompted the U.S. to act more realistically by asking openly for
Syria's help," the sources added.

They said Iran expressed readiness to help in Iraq "and Syria won't
hesitate to do the same on condition the U.S. fixes a timetable for
pulling out its troops from Iraq."