Syria plays mediator in Iran-France tensions

          
          Syria plays nediator in fran-France tensions - washingtor ostcom lttp://www.washingtozçostconi/wp-dyn/content /article/2009/08/12/AR...
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          By HUSSEIN DAKROUB
          The Associated Press
          Wednesday, August 12, 2009; 11:42 AM
          BEIRUT-- Syria's assistance to
          France in winning the release of an
          embassy employee on trial in
          Tehran signaled to the West that
          Damascus wants to help defuse
          tensions over fr s postelection
          turmoil, analysts said Wednesday.
          France on Tuesday specifically
          thanked Syria, Iran's closest Arab
          ally, among countries that had
          “provided their support” to help
          free Nazak Afshar, a French-Iranian
          citizen who is a defendant in a mass
          trial of pro-reform opposition
          supporters accused of trying to
          mount a “soft” revolution in Iran.
          An Iranian news agency reported
          Wednesday that French academic
          Clotilde Reiss, also on trial, could
          be released soon on bail.
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          “It also points to the possibility that Syria, by virtue of sLinks to this arUcle
          its strong ties with Iran, can mediate between Iran and
          the West over Tehran's nuclear program,” he told The Associated Press.
          fran's crackdown on opposition protesters who claim the June presidential election was
          rigged has brought it intemational condemnation. But at the same time, analysts said Syria
          is quietly seeking to improve its image in the West after years of isolation.
          The U.S. lists Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism and it was snubbed by the former Bush
          administration. Washington has long criticized Damascus for its support of radical
          Pa lestininn groups and the militant Shilte Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. and ftqg say
          Syria does too little to stop the flow of foreign fighters across its border into Iraq. Syria says
          In this ploto released bythe semi-official Iranian Fars News Agency,
          French lecturer Clotilde Reiss, who was reportedly arrested at Tehran
          airport on July 1, and jailed on charges of sp 4ng linked to riots over last
          month's presidential election, seen atthe court room in Tehran, Iran,
          Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. Dozens of oppositon actvists and protesters
          stood trial in Tehran Saturdayon charges of rioting and plottng to topple
          the ruling Islamic system following the disputed presidential electon, Iran's
          state media reported. (AP Photo/ILNA,Hsnif Shosee) EDITORS NOTE
          AS A RESULT OF AN OFFICIAL IRANIAN GOVERNMENT BAN ON
          FOREIGN MEDIA COVERING SOME EVENTS IN IRAN, THE APWAS
          PREVENTED FROM INDEPENDENT ACCESS TO THIS EVENT (Hanif
          Shoaee - AP)
          TOOLBOX
          Afshafs release was “a joint Iranian and Syria message”
          to the West about readiness to improve ties, said
          Edmond Saab, executive editor of An-Nahar newspaper
          in Lebanon , where developments in Syria are closely
          watched.
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          8/12/2009 3:35 PM
        

          
          Syria plays nediator in fran-France tensions - washingtor ostcom lttp://www.washingtoiçostconi/wp-dyn/content /article/2009/08/12/AR.
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          Bnt Syria's mediation with Iran comes
          at a time of thawing relations with the
          U.S. and France. A U.S. military
          delegation arrived in the country
          Wednesday for talks on how to stem
          the movement of foreign fighters into
          Iraq. That follows visits by several U.S.
          officials recently as part of the Obama
          administration's diplomatic outreach to
          the country.
          No specifics were released about what
          exactly Syria did to aid in Afshafs
          release and Syria's Foreign Ministry
          would not comment on Wednesday.
          However, this was not the first time Syria has played medintor with Iran. During Lebanon's
          1975-90 civil war, when Syria dominated Lebanon, Damascus helped secure the release of
          American, French and British hostages held by pro-Iraninn Shiite militants in Lebanon. In
          fact, some hostages often were released in Lebanon and taken to the Foreign Ministry in
          Damascus in a clear sign that Syria had arranged the deal.
          Syrian political analyst Imad Shueibi said the country's role in freeing Afshar “gives an
          impression that Syria is essential to bring about stability in the region.” He said Syria has
          also played a significaut role in improving Iran's relations with Arab countries.
          Saab said the latest gesture was evidence of close ties between France and its former colony
          Syria. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has strengthened ties with Damascus in recent
          months, visiting the country twice.
          Ibrahim Bayram, a political analyst with Lebanon's An-Nahar daily, said Syria is poised to
          play a bigger role in improving Iran's relations with the West strained over Tehrau's nuclear
          program.
          “By helping in the French woman's release, Syria wanted to send a message to the West in
          general that it is ready to help in settling hot issues in the region,” he said, “No doubt, Syria
          is using its affiance with Irau to improve its image in the world and break its intematioual
          isolation.”
          The U.S. and the West want Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, a process that can be
          used to produce fuel for both nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Washington and other
          countries suspect the Iraniau nuclear program is geared toward weapons production.
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