Posted on 09/03/2007 3:25:50 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
DAMASCUS, Syria, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a meeting today with Dennis Kucinich, US Democratic Presidential candidate, Syrian President Bashar Assad said that Syria would be willing to participate in a multinational conference and peacekeeping force to help Iraq to manage its transition from occupied country to sovereign nation.
Assad made these assurances and other observations in a two-hour meeting with Kucinich, who traveled to Syria to discuss a peace initiative which has arisen out of his anti-war work in the House of Representatives. President Assad agreed with Kucinich that various US demands for the privatization of Iraq's oil and partition of Iraq would mean a continuation of war.
"We must stand for strength through peace, for a sovereign and unified Iraq. President Assad is willing for Syria to play a significant role in assisting in the stabilization of Iraq," said Kucinich. "President Assad knows that an international peace keeping and security force must be organized and ready to deploy in order to facilitate the end of the occupation. He understands that the US cannot leave a vacuum in Iraq, but that at the present time the US occupation is fueling the insurgency. He is recommending a parallel political process involving an Iraqi national conference, the disarming of militias, and the building up of an Iraqi army which would eventually takeover from international peace keepers."
Kucinich said the fact that Syria, a nation of just 20 million people, has both welcomed and is providing free health care and education to the million and a half Iraqi refugees is evidence of Syria's vital role in the region. "The international community must recognize and appreciate that Syria has at its own great cost provided a lifeboat to millions who suffer from the humanitarian crisis which the war in Iraq has created."
Late last night Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth visited a neighborhood of Damascus which was teeming with Iraqi refugees. "People are desperate. They have lost loved ones in the war. They have nothing but the clothes on their back, but they have their lives, thanks to President Assad's willingness to open Syria to the Iraqi refugees. This is a profound humanitarian gesture, since it has significantly increased the population of Syria. Now we must help Syria provide for these refugees," Kucinich said.
Kucinich told President Assad that he will take up the refugee matter with the UN Secretary General and the US Congress.
Kucinich and Assad discussed a wide range of other matters including building relations between Syria and the United States, the role of the European community in negotiations between Syria and Israel, hopes for a national unity government in Lebanon, conditions affecting Pakistan and Assad's desire for a peace agreement with Israel hinging on resolution of matters relating to Golan.
After the meeting Mrs. Kucinich met with British born Mrs. Assad to discuss their mutual interests and work in community economic development, education and the welfare of refugees.
Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth visited the ancient holy site of Notre Dame de Saydanaya, where today fully veiled Muslim women worship together with Christians. "This is the one of the few places in the world that I have witnessed such profound coexistence, and harmony," Mrs. Kucinich said. "In this time of religious strife it is important to bear witness to places which show the way of peace."
This evening Kucinich spoke to over 150 academicians, journalists and politicians in Damascus where he presented his new security doctrine. "Strength through Peace turns the neoconservative doctrine of Peace through Strength on its head. The neo-cons' Peace through Strength, has led to unilateralism, military build up and illegal war." Kucinich told the packed audience, "Strength through Peace favors the upholding of international law, treaties and direct engagement, which is why I am here" Kucinich added.
"I believe that through direct communication there is new hope for peace," he said. "The world is ready to fall in love with America again. It is important that America reaches out to show our true values, our compassion and our willingness to work for peace."
The trip is continuing with a visit to Lebanon.
SOURCE Kucinich for President 2008
In the '70's, he systematically destroyed the City of Cleveland's economy, driving out many major employers and putting the city in bankruptcy. Now, he wants to destroy the United States of America.
He's a useless communist and I really don't understand how people can be so stupid as to continually re-elect this idiot.
It's Cuyahoga County - if that county shares one thing in common with New Orleans and Philladelphia, it's that the deceased as well as pets continue to vote democRAT.
“Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth visited the ancient holy site of Notre Dame de Saydanaya, where today fully veiled Muslim women worship together with Christians.”
Notre Dame de Saydanaya? How far is that from Potemkin Village?
Dennis is in Syria? Shucks, this means he won’t be able to crown Miss ‘Hog Maw and Chitlin’at the steer rump roast this year,(always a cultural high point in Cleveland).
Did he wear a head scarf?
You can bet Syria would be willing to Occupy Iraq just like they have done to Lebonan. Maybe Iran can help them? Welcome to Cambodian Killing Fields Part II. What a complete and total idiot.
Pray for W and Our Troops
Either that or head for the next county over, as many have done.
People remember, and that's why he gets elected easily going on thirty years later.
Clear violation AGAIN... from a Dem of the Logan Act.
There was one from a Syrian news agency on an FR thread yesterday. It showed Assad meeting with "Senator" Kucinich. Both were sitting in huge armchairs 10 ft. apart. The chairs were particularly low, allowing the "senator's" feet to touch the floor.
Thank you!
“when you talk to people in his district, no one admits to voting for him.”
I’ve lost a few friends who were Dennis The Menace backers. Don’t reaaly miss them though!
We're not sure that this is am accurate quote as Kucinich's enunciation was impaired by Assad's falafel.
Ask Lebanon how Syrian tyrany is, Kookcinch!
Pray for W and Our Troops
We should give this little turd to Israel to strap on the first bomb they fire at Syria.
.u.n.b.e.l.i.e.v.a.b.l.e.!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
