US welcomes Iraq-Syria talks
AFP
WASHINGTON- The United States welcomed Wednesday's talks in Damascus between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, saying they can help bring Baghdad back to the regional fold.
"We are certainly supportive of the dialogue that has occurred today between Syria and Iraq," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
Maliki met with Assad in Damascus following a year-long row, as the Iraqi leader seeks to win support for his bid to remain in power.
A statement from the Iraqi's office said the two leaders "discussed the improving of relations between the two countries to serve the joint interest and strengthen security and stability in the area."
The Obama administration is engaging diplomatically with Syria, a former foe, in a bid to promote Arab-Israeli peace, distance Damascus from its ally Iran, and to ensure militants do not cross from Syria into Iraq.
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