US remains concerned by Syria despite appointment of new ambassador: Clinton
By APWednesday, February 24, 2010
Clinton says Syria must still address US concerns
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Obama administration’s decision to send an American ambassador to Syria after a five-year absence does not mean U.S. concerns about the country have been addressed.
Speaking to lawmakers Wednesday, Clinton said the nomination of career diplomat Robert Ford to be the new U.S. envoy in Damascus is a sign of a “slight opening” with Syria. But she said Washington remains troubled by suspected Syrian support for militant groups in Iraq and elsewhere, interference in Lebanon and Syria’s close relationship with Iran.
Former President George W. Bush withdrew the last U.S. ambassador to Syria in 2005 to protest its actions in Lebanon after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, which his supporters blamed on Syria.
