Syria announces measures to support Hamas government

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DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria on Thursday announced a series of measures to support the Hamas government, saying it would raise funds for the Palestinians and establish direct phone links with them.

Making light of the West's boycott of the Hamas government, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told reporters: "We are not afraid of anyone in our support for the Palestinian cause."

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Zahar told reporters, and Moallem confirmed, that Syria had set April 30 as a national day for donating money to the Palestinians. Syria will also raise the level of its diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority, accept travelers carrying Palestinian Authority passports, and establish direct phone links with the Palestinian territories.

"We are beginning a new era in constructive cooperation," Zahar said. He added that technical committees would be formed to follow up on the commitments.

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Interesting because of the assertive attitude one sees from Syria here.


Haaretz

[HereSince1628]

1. So, does that make Jordan the standout, or did I miss their pledge?

Seems like everyone but Iraq and Jordan might have pledged to help Hamas.

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2. Yeah, I think that's it, in the local neighborhood anyway.

Egypt has been "pressuring" Hamas to mouth the required formulas, but seems to have pledged support too.

[HereSince1628]

3. Well, it's the local neighbors that have a history of rowdiness with

the 51st state.

[bemildred]

4. True. And they have the most reason to be concerned about the

disruptive and unsettling effects of of the present crisis. Between Bush's dystopia in Iraq and his desperate lunge at getting something going in Iran, and the mess Sharon and his minions have made and are making in the Western Mediterranean coastal region, I would expect that everybody is somewhat fed-up and feeling uncooperative.

[HereSince1628]

5. Yep. That sure is true.