US President Barack Obama refused to declare he would visit Syria, following a public invitation from his Syrian counterpart. The American leader said he was troubled by Syria's behaviour. He added, however, he hoped for progress in ties with Damascus.
These comments came in an interview to be screened Sunday by Britain's Sky News. Obama was asked if he would accept an invitation to go to Syria for face-to-face talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. And he replied: "We've started to see some diplomatic contacts between the United States and Syria."
"There are aspects of Syrian behaviour that trouble us and we think that there is a way that Syria can be much more constructive on a whole host of these issues.
"But, as you know, I'm a believer in engagement and my hope is that we can continue to see progress on that front."
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
