Middle East News
New US ambassador "to help change Syrian attitude in the region"
Jan 30, 2010, 16:40 GMT
Damascus - The new US ambassador to Syria 'will help change Syria's attitude in the region in order to ensure stability and security,' an official in the US embassy in Damascus said Saturday.
'Washington hopes that Syria will play an essential role in eliminating US concerns regarding its attitude in the region,' the US official told the German Press Agency dpa.
The official refused to reveal the name of the new ambassador. International media reports speculated that President Barack Obama has put forward Robert Ford to be the new US ambassador in Damascus.
Ford is the deputy US ambassador to Iraq. He also served as the US ambassador to Algeria from 2006 to 2008.
US Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell passed along a secret request naming the new ambassador during his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus last week, the source added.
The US withdrew its ambassador to Syria in 2005, following the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. Washington blamed Syria for the killing. Damascus denied any role.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Middle East
- 1. Jerusalem prelate tells Arab Spring youth to have confidence
- 2. More than 100 killed in Syria ahead of ceasefire deadline
- 3. At least 43 killed in Syria, despite UN criticism
- 4. 19 killed in Syria as ceasefire deadline approaches
- 5. Pilgrims flock to Jerusalem for Easter, Passover
Older Talkback
