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Blair urges Syria in terror fight
DAMASCUS, Syria (CNN) -- UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has returned to the Middle East in an effort to patch up the shaky cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians and consolidate the coalition against terrorism. Wednesday's visit to Syria -- the first by a British prime minister -- comes amid increasing tension in the region. Blair is also trying to counter growing opposition within the UK to the military campaign in Afghanistan. Syria hosts more than 10 Palestinian groups that oppose the Mideast peace process, including Hamas and al-Jihad, groups that have claimed responsibility for recent suicide attacks in Israel. Western diplomats want Syria to rein in those groups. CNN correspondent Rula Amin in the Syrian capital, Damascus, says many people the region draw a distinction between terrorism and the Palestinian cause, what it calls the legitimate resistance to Israeli occupation. Damascus has accused Israel of carrying out its own brand of state terrorism and is pressing for a long-lasting solution to the Middle East conflict, not just a short-term ceasefire. Syria also wants the return of the Golan Heights included in any discussion of its relations with Jerusalem.
Blair, who played a leading role in forming the coalition against terrorism among western and Arab nations, made a keynote speech on Tuesday urging people not to forget the horrors of September 11. The address was designed to correct a perceived "wobble" in the public and media's support for the bombing campaign and Blair stressed it was important "we never forget why we are doing it." The prime minister came under fire from opposition Conservative Party leader Ian Duncan-Smith on Wednesday, who accused ministers of sending out mixed messages about the campaign in Afghanistan. Blair's government is also concerned by reports that some British Muslims have left the UK to fight for the Taliban in Afghanistan. The government suggested on Tuesday that British citizens who took up arms for the Taliban could be charged under ancient treason laws. |
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