Syrian FM met with Rice in NY last week

      Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in New York last weekend, according to an interview with Moualem published by the Wall Street Journal Tuesday. In the article, the Wall Street Journal reported that a State Department official said the U.S. discussed their support of Israel-Syria peace talks and also used the meet to air U.S. grievances with Syria, including Damascus's hand in the security situations in Lebanon, Iraq, and the West Bank and Gaza. Moualem is quoted as saying the talks represent "good progress in the American position", and said Syria vows to "continue this dialogue." The article states that Moualem met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch, in New York, a day after meeting with Rice in New York. In regard to the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, Moualem said Syria looks forward to better ties with the next U.S. administration, adding that he hopes the thawing of Bush's positions towards Syria "will have its implications for the future administration." When asked how a peace deal between Syria and Israel would impact Damascus's relations with Iran Moualem said "Iran is an important player in the region", adding that he doesn't see the Iranians opposed to the "liberation" of the Golan Heights by peaceful means. (18,01)