Syria In 'Unique Position' To Assist Iraq: Ambassador

[ECH1969]

The Syrian ambassador in Washington says his country is in a unique position to help mediate between the various factions in Iraq.

Imad Moustapha was speaking after Iraq's president, Jalal Talabani, welcomed reports that an influential panel of White House advisers may recommend that Washington turn to Syria and Iran for help.

The ambassador says successive Iraqi governments have invited Syria to help, but each request has been blocked by the United States administration.

Rumsfeld says in his opinion neither Syria nor Iran have been helpful in the past.

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