Israel Matzav

Syrian foreign minister demands US 'fulfill its commitments'

This is one of the most amazing pieces of chutzpa I have seen in a long time....

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Mu'allem has demanded that the U.S. fulfill its commitments to Syria and implement what was agreed in the dialogue between the countries. He said that his country had met all its commitments to the U.S..

He said that as far as Syria is concerned, the dialogue with the U.S., which continued for over a year, is over, and the U.S. must carry out the agreements that were arrived at if it wants to normalize relations.

U.S. Ambassador to Cairo Margaret Scobey said in a talk with newspaper editors and diplomats that indirect talks are ongoing with Syria on the disputed issues, including its transfer of weapons to Lebanese militias, Hizbullah, and terror groups in the region.

Source: Al-Safir, Lebanon; Al-Ahram, Egypt, May 6, 2010

Fortunately, the Republicans in Congress have a bit more common sense than that.

Senate Republicans blocked a unanimous consent motion to confirm Obama's nominee to be ambassador to Syria this afternoon.

Democrats sought to confirm the well regarded diplomat Robert S. Ford to be ambassador to Damascus by a unanimous consent motion Friday, but Sen. Tom Coburn (R.-Ok.) objected, the AFP reports.

"Republicans accused Democrats of bringing up Ford and other nominations on Friday to make ' political point' about Republican holds on several Obama administration nominees, the AFP said.

I hope they will continue to block it. The point isn't Ford who is apparently a fine diplomat. The point is that the United States should not be rewarding Syria's behavior by restoring diplomatic relations.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:24 PM