InfoAnda - US envoy holds 'constructive' talks with Syrians

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

SKorean ex-leader questioned in corruption probe | 1 May 2009
Analysis: Suu Kyi's party seeks makeover to grab Myanmar's youth | | 10 January 2012
Rocket hits NATO truck depot in Pakistan | 26 November 2008

India to hike rates again over inflation worries | 23 January 2011

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US envoy holds 'constructive' talks with Syrians

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: US envoy holds 'constructive' talks with Syrians By SAM F. GHATTAS,Associated Press Writer AP - 34 minutes ago DAMASCUS, Syria - A senior U.S. envoy said Saturday he held "constructive" talks with Syrian officials but also expressed caution, in a visit that raised hopes for the Obama administration's effort to ease the two countries' rivalry. ADVERTISEMENT Damascus has also signaled interest in better relations, but both sides remain cautious over whether they can surmount their key differences, including Syria's backing for militants and its alliance with Iran. "This is a very constructive discussion," said Jeffrey Feltman, the top U.S. State Department envoy to the Mideast, who was visiting Damascus with Daniel Shapiro from the White House. He spoke after the two met with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem. The Obama administration's decision to send Feltman and Shapiro to Syria was the most significant sign yet that it is ready to improve relations after years of tension. Feltman said he "found a lot of common ground" with Syrian officials but cautioned that working out the differences between the two countries "will require more work." "We will be looking at the choices," Feltman told reporters. "But let's not expect that things are going to change dramatically from today until tomorrow." Syria said the two sides agreed on the importance of continuing discussions "to achieve goals that serve common interests and bring about peace and stability to the region," according to Syria's official news agency. It was not clear whether the envoys would meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Feltman said when the U.S. planned the trip they did not request to meet with specific Syrian officials. Improving ties could lead to eased economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed by Washington. U.S. sanctions have idled some Syrian passenger jets for lack of spare parts, stifled bank transfers and technology imports. America has long wanted Syria to drop support for militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas that have undermined Mideast peace efforts. The U.S. would also like to peel Syria from its ally Iran, which Washington accuses of supporting Shiite militias in Iraq and pursuing a nuclear program to develop weapons _ charges Tehran denies. Syria has rejected abandoning its ally and has said it can mediate between the Islamic state and the West over the country's nuclear program. Washington also needs Syria to prevent militants from crossing its border into Iraq _ something the U.S. has accused Damascus of failing to do in the past. Syria also has influence with militant Palestinian and Lebanese factions sworn to the destruction of Israel. Syria has rejected calls to drop its support, arguing a comprehensive peace would remove the need for the groups' militant activity. For Syria, comprehensive peace must include a return of the Golan Heights that Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. Syria has held indirect peace talks with Israel through Turkish mediation last year, but Damascus has insisted U.S. mediation is key. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the envoys were sent for "preliminary conversations" when she announced the visit earlier this week and played down expected results from the diplomatic push. The U.S. withdrew its ambassador to Syria in 2005 following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut. The killing was widely blamed on Syria _ a charge Damascus denies. On the Syrian side, Assad has welcomed improved ties, something he has long sought but was hampered by the Bush administration's attempts to isolate his country. Assad has said he is impressed by Obama's friendly gestures but was still waiting for results. Imad Mustapha, Syria's ambassador to Washington, said during a telephone interview from Washington that he noticed a change in the Americans' tone in his recent meeting with Feltman in the U.S. capital. "They've given up on the idea of Syria has to do this and that," he said. U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who last month met with Assad in Damascus, proposed this week that the United States provide "financial incentives" to encourage Syria to make peace with Israel. He said it benefits Syria if Assad looks west for new relationships and added that "sanctions can always be tightened again if Syria backtracks." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World UK-World SummaryReuters - 14 minutes ago Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai leaves hospital after car crashReuters - 17 minutes ago Pa. boy, 11, charged with murder was avid hunterAP - 21 minutes ago Zimbabwe PM leaves hospital: AFP reporterAFP - 22 minutes ago Obama to visit Turkey in sixth foreign visitAP - 29 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed Ladyboy lizards use transvestite trickery: researchers Zimbabwe PM hurt, wife killed in car crash: party Russian media teases Clinton over 'reset' button Banking meltdown drags Iceland into recession Broken-legged smuggler caught with 'cocaine' cast View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Saturday, 7 March 2009
Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai hurt, wife killed in crash | International |
Protests in Sudan capital, aid groups issue warning | International |
Tongue-tied Clinton gets warm EU welcome | International |
Venezuela takes over tree farm of Irish company | International |
Warm winter fuels rise in Afghan border violence | International |
Facing Israeli demolition, Palestinian razes his home | International |
Killing of rights activists angers Kenyans | International |
German court fines man $2,300 for SMS message | Technology |
Labor Sec. Solis Releases $3.5 Billion In Response To Dismal Jobs Report
GOP Warns Of Re-Election Defeat For Florida Rep. Alan Grayson
Unemployment Rate Hits 8.1 Percent, Highest In 25 Years
Macy's Renovated SC Store Reopening As Chain Closes 11 Other Stores In 9 States
Unemployment Rate Now At 8.1 Percent, Highest In 25 Years
Suleman Multiple Births Prompt Proposals To Impose Stricter Rules On Fertility Industry
Indiana Counties Granted Federal Disaster Aid
Bristol, VA United Way's Fundraising 8% Short, Will Use Surplus From Better Years To Fully Fund Partner Agencies
Stopgap Measure To Keep Gov't Running After Senate Delays $410 Billion Omnibus
Both Hearst And Employees Of Seattle Post-Intelligencer Exploring Online Only Version If No Buyer Found
Coolio arrested at LA airport for possessing crack | Entertainment |
ABC looks for replacement stars for Dancing | Entertainment |
Charlie Chaplin's son, Sydney, dies at 82 | Entertainment |
Football star, actor Brian Bosworth arrested for DUI | Entertainment |
Pamela Anderson shakes up Vivienne Westwood show | Entertainment |
New wavers Devo to perform 1978 album in London | Entertainment |
U.S. pork producers brace for HBO special on cruelty | Entertainment |
Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai hurt, wife killed in crash | International |
Medic says member of Gaza rocket squad killed
Clinton seeks to bolster U.S. ties with Turkey
China says G20 summit success a priority | International |
Bomb attack on Pakistani police kills eight | International |
Iraq withdrawal raises concerns for elite forces
US launches telescope to look for Earth-like planets
China warns world against hosting Dalai Lama | International |
Iraqi PM reaches out to Saddam supporters
Belgian government, BNP reach new deal to save Fortis
Dalai Lama fears explosion of violence in Tibet | International |
651,000 jobs lost as US hits 25-year jobless high
U.S.-led troops not protecting civilians enough: study | International |
Obama to reverse Bush limits on stem-cell research
Morocco cuts ties with Iran over Bahrain | International |
Doucoure hurdles to second European title
Zimbabwe PM hurt, wife killed in car crash: party
OPEC rubbishes IEA on oil prices
US launches telescope to look for Earth-like planets
Microsoft's new system easier for browser switch | Technology |
Kepler telescope reaches orbit: NASA
Cybersecurity chief Beckstrom resigns | Technology |
U.S. and Russia pledge fresh start in relations
Top US military officer: Mexico violence a crisis
Craigslist chief 'mystified' by sheriff's sex ad lawsuit
Obama announces plans to fill key foreign policy posts
US-TECH Summary
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 589
Microsoft's new system easier for browser switch
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,255
Cybersecurity chief Beckstrom resigns
Congress sends Obama spending as stop-gap
Top US cybersecurity official quits
Appeal for calm following clashes in Martinique
Thought-propelled wheelchair developed in Italy
German deputy resigns key posts after child porn raid
Google, , Microsoft urged not to censor search
Georgia revamps military amid Russia tensions: minister
Seattle paper may have digital future
Coolio arrested for crack possession | Entertainment |
U2 to begin world tour in Spain on June 30: report | Entertainment |
ABC looks for replacement stars for Dancing | Entertainment |
Amy Winehouse charged with assault | Entertainment |
Lollapalooza taps Kings of Leon, Jane's Addiction | Entertainment |
Fighting in Sri Lanka kills 32 rebels: ministry
Afghans protest US raid official says killed 4
US envoy calls on NKorea to drop harsh rhetoric
Afghans protest after overnight raid kills 4
Tonnes of elephant tusks smuggled into Vietnam: reports
China says G20 summit success a priority
China calls for closer US ties in economic crisis
Hollywood pulling plug on hospital for its own
Dalai Lama wants 'Greater Tibet', China says
Football star, actor Brian Bosworth arrested for DUI
Four militants killed in India's northeast: police
In Ouagadougou's popular video clubs Hollywood trumps Africa
Car bomb kills eight in NW Pakistan: police
Football player, actor Bosworth arrested for DUI
World's biggest banks to meet in London: report
Pakistani cenbank sells 4 bln rupees of T-bills
S.Korea Lee says govt has ways to stabilise currency
EU says SKorea trade talks at 'crucial' point
Schwarzenegger: Ohio shouldn't worry about economy
China Geely boss says open to overseas auto deals
Chelsea football boss warns against perils of booze culture
Phish dusts off deep cuts in return to stage
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Coolio out on bail after drug arrest at LA airport
Lollapalooza taps Kings of Leon, Jane's Addiction
Father of Italian painting gets big Rome show
SKorea, Indonesia agree to boost cooperation
'Impressionism' delays its Broadway opening
Kanye West booked with Clarkson on `American Idol'
U2 to begin world tour in Spain on June 30: report
Russia pushes for new strategic arms pact with U.S. | International |
Pakistan militants shoot down US drone: officials
Palestinian PM resigns but Abbas asks him to continue | International |
Palestinian PM resigns to pave way for unity govt
Iran says open to Afghan meeting offer from U.S. | International |
Karzai approves August date for Afghan polls
Clinton seeks to bolster U.S. ties with Turkey | International |
Britain takes 65% stake in Lloyds Banking Group
U.S. drone believed crashed in Pakistan | International |
South Sudan party condemns aid group expulsion
Russian media teases Clinton over 'reset' button
Clinton encourages Israel, Syria contacts
Afghan president says to stay in office till polls | International |
Iran says open to Afghan meeting offer from U.S.
Iraqis resilient but mental health care lacking: U.N. | International |
Iraqi mental health study shows need for more care
US envoy holds 'constructive' talks with Syrians
Clinton in talks with Turkish leaders
Iran mulls US invitation to Afghan conference
Facebook courting Twitter lovers
Internet Explorer will come with 'off' switch in Windows 7
'Right moment' for progress on disarmament: Russia
Gay Mardi Gras parade attracts 300,000 revelers
Bombs kill 11 in Pakistan; US drone reported down
Malaysian police fire teargas at protestors: witnesses
Australia lead Thailand in Davis Cup tennis
Three-way tie for Thailand Open golf lead
Japanese workers demand pay rise amid recession
Johnson rattles SA in second cricket Test
China insists gas field its own business despite Japanese protests
Sri Lanka says its forces kill 32 Tamil rebels
Phish lands another keeper in reunion
Tibetan women held for protesting in western China
Canadian Bus Beheader Not Criminally Liable For Crime
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01