Syrian President Rejects U.S. Sanctions, Refuses to Expel Palestinian Militants

Published: May 13, 2004 ^ | Published: May 13, 2004 | Published: May 13, 2004

[Jet Jaguar]

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Syrian President Bashar Assad on Thursday challenged the basis of U.S. sanctions on his country and said he would not expel Palestinian militant groups as demanded by the United States.

Assad disputed the case the Bush administration had made to impose the embargo, saying Syria does not have weapons of mass destruction and there is no evidence of foreign fighters crossing the border from Syria to Iraq.

"We have always asked the administration to give us one passport or one name or evidence of that (border infiltration) happening. So far, we have not had that happen," Assad told a group of American editors.

Assad met the editors at the presidential palace while they were on a fact-finding trip arranged by the Washington-based International Reporting Project.

President Bush imposed the sanctions Tuesday. They ban all U.S. exports to Syria except food and medicine and they forbid direct flights between Syria and the United States. The penalties came as a response to allegations that Syria was supporting terrorism and undermining U.S. efforts in neighboring Iraq. Bush signed the order under a law that Congress passed by an overwhelming vote late last year.

AP-ES-05-13-04 0449EDT

[Caipirabob]

Guess he knows he has until the second week of November unless that gimp Kerry somehow steals the election.

[Joe Boucher]

This is the same response the U.S.A. has taken against the Cuban govt. What's it been? 30 years and Castro is still there giving lip to the U.S.
How about instead the U.S. sends a few cruise missles to take out a couple of empty tents.

[Jet Jaguar]

I would favor a few missiles. (or more)

[NetValue]

If you harbor them you are one of them. Your "reward" is coming.

[Jet Jaguar]

I remember. I hope Assad does as well.

[rrrod]

Hey Assad ...hear that rumble & roar? Just keep it up pal!

[gr8eman]

How about Saddam's sisters?! Remember, supposedly the CIA knew Saddam's locale because they intercepted cell phone calls between him and his sister in Damascus. I do not know if it is true, but the obvious point to me is to ask why they let them come there!

The time for playing games with the terrorists is over!

[Agnes Heep]

Guess he knows he has until the second week of November unless that gimp Kerry somehow steals the election.

[Real Cynic No More]

"We have always asked the administration to give us one passport or one name or evidence of that (border infiltration) happening. So far, we have not had that happen," Assad told a group of American editors.

These guys are crossing borders "officially",using their passports, and obtaining visas????

What about the incident last week where the WMD bombs were discovered in Jordan? Didn't they cross into Jordan from Syria?

The Syrian president has several bats in his belfry. The lights on, but nobody's home. His elevator doesn't rise to the top.

[af_vet_1981]

Assad met the editors at the presidential palace while they were on a fact-finding trip arranged by the Washington-based International Reporting Project.

Not all journalists are traitors but one has to wonder about these.

[Freebird Forever]

President Bush imposed the sanctions Tuesday. They ban all U.S. exports to Syria except food and medicine

Food an medicine should be banned as well (unless it is poisoned).

[EricT.]

Hopefully, there's about to be another zone opened for a good long either sex terrorist hunt. No bag limit. No size restrictions.

[BritExPatInFla]

[quote]Guess he knows he has until the second week of November unless that gimp Kerry somehow steals the election.[/quote]
Why the heck should we wait? Do it now. We know the WMDs and terrorists are in Syria, go get 'em. Bush needs to hold an address and tell the nation that the weapons and terrorists are there and we're going to get them, as he speaks. The WMD's and terrorists are a clear and present danger to our nation, and to the coalition. We can't let the elections drive when we crush Syria. If any other Middle Eastern countries have a problem, take them out before November as well. Screw waiting.

[No Blue States]

Another bad choice Assad.

I was reading yesterday that Syria was the only country to not give it citizens any news whatsoever of the sick minded beheading of Nick Berg.

[hchutch]

Okay... I think it is safe to say that Bashir Assad is just begging to get his butt kicked.

[Howlin]

and there is no evidence of foreign fighters crossing the border from Syria to Iraq.

Oh, I bet there is. Those SAT pictures are very clear, from what I understand.

[Dog Anchor]

Syria does not have weapons of mass destruction and there is no evidence of foreign fighters crossing the border from Syria to Iraq.

"We have always asked the administration to give us one passport or one name or evidence of that (border infiltration) happening. So far, we have not had that happen," Assad told a group of American editors.

Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Tex)????

[ch53gunner]

Boy Assad, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. The day of retribution is upon you - make peace with whatever god you pray to - time is short.

[AmericanChef]

Syria, you are sooooo next.