Syria May Send Peacekeepers to Iraq

[Barrett808]

DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria would consider sending peacekeeping forces to Iraq if a deadline is set for a U.S. troop withdrawal and if the United Nations assumes control of its war-ravaged neighbor, a Cabinet minister said Monday.

Syria, a U.N. Security Council member, has opposed the U.S.-led war and occupation of Iraq.

"Syria would be ready to send troops to Iraq only after the United Nations has the final say in Iraq and if a deadline for the American withdrawal (from Iraq) is put," said Bouthaina Shaaban, Syria's new minister of expatriates, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

"Then the Arab League, including Syria, would review an Arab contribution to rebuilding Iraq," she added.

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http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/6833735.htm