21 January 2002

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Visits Syria

Ambassador John D. Negroponte, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the press in Damascus, Syria, January 21 that he met with Syrian Foreign Ministry officials on UN matters.

Both Syria and the United States are members of the UN Security Council.

Negroponte said he discussed with Syrian officials issues that are on the Security Council agenda, including terrorism and Afghanistan, Africa, and the Middle East.

Following is the transcript of Negroponte's remarks.

Remarks by Ambassador John D. Negroponte United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Damascus, Syria January 21, 2002

I want to tell you how happy I am to be here in Damascus for meetings with your Foreign Ministry regarding matters pertaining to the United Nations.

As you know, both Syria and the United States are member of the Security Council, and that was the principal reason for my coming here for consultations. I have only visited three other countries since I have become the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations. I've visited Mexico, which is also now a member of the Security Council, I visited Egypt yesterday and now I'm here for consultations in Syria.

I think we had very productive and interesting exchange of views this morning. And certainly, we look forward to cooperating on a very constructive basis with representatives of your government in New York as we consider the many different issues that are dealt with by the Security Council of the United Nations.

Question: Do you have a message from the U.S. Administration to President Asad?

Answer: I am not here to conduct any bilateral business between our two governments. I'm here strictly in connection with the fact that I'm the representative of the United States to the United Nations.

Question: Did you discuss your relations with Syria as a non-permanent member?

Answer: We discussed the various issues that are on the agenda of the Security Council of the United Nations such as those concerning terrorism and Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, and so forth. So we did have quite a general review of subjects of mutual interest.

Question: And do you share the same opinions about terrorism?

Answer: I think that we share the same opinion on some issues; we may have slightly different perspectives on others. But, I think in all cases, the attitude on both sides is to try to deal with these issues on a constructive and respectful basis.

Thank you very much.