Blair to Sharon: Syria hampers our operations in Iraq

12/23/2004 3:00:00 PM GMT

The British prime minister Tony Blair said to his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon in the occupied Jerusalem that Syria" directly takes part in the operations against us."

Blair’s visit wasn’t only aimed at tackling the Palestinian Israeli conflict, but also at discussing Syria, and its alleged role in Iraq, correspondent said, adding that Blair discussed with the Israeli side how to deal with the Syrian call to resume peace negotiations. Blair also expressed his concern over the "Syrian activity" in Iraq.

"Syrians are working for obstructing our works and that of the Americans in Iraq, and directly takes part in the operations against us," Blair said during his visit to Israel.

Iran minister in Syria challenges U.S. claims

Iran's foreign minister challenged on Thursday U.S. and Iraqi claims that his country was meddling in Iraqi affairs.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Syria, Kamal Kharrazi said that U.S. and Iraqi officials claims were only meant to "evade reality instead of discussing the crisis and trying to find solutions for it."

"Those who release accusations should give evidence," Kharrazi said.

Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan claimed earlier this month that Syria and Iran together with former operatives from toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's security forces, were cooperating with Al Qaida operatives in Iraq.

However, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi distanced himself from Mr. Shaalan’s allegations, saying his remarks were not government policy. Syria strongly rejected Shaalan's accusations and described them as "baseless."

On the other hand, President Bush warned Iran and Syria that "meddling in the internal affairs of Iraq is not in their interest."

Kharrazi held talks with President Bashar Assad on Thursday and met with his Syrian counterpart, Farouk al-Sharaa, to discuss current events in Iraq and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Syria and Iran enjoy close relationship dating back to 1980s when Syria refused to support the ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in his 1980-88 war with Iran.

Also, Iran and Syria opposed Saddam’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the U.S.-led war on Iraq. Yet, the two countries have had some differences over dealing with post-Saddam Iraq, with Iran backing the interim government while Damascus cautiously deals with it.

After his meetings, Kharrazi said that Jordanian accusations that Iran plans to create a "Shiite crescent" including Syria, Lebanon and Iraq "should not be taken seriously."

Jordan's King Abdullah II has warned earlier of a possible Shiite hegemony in the region. In an interview with The Washington Post, Jordan's King Abdullah II accused Iran of trying to influence Iraq’s national elections, planned for Jan. 30, where Shiite candidates are expected to fare well.

Reiterating Iran’s support to Iraq’s elections and warning against internal divisions in Iraq, Kharrazi said: "we want all sects to participate in the elections as it's high time for the Iraqi people to prove that they are mature".