U.S. Rejects Syrian Request for Meeting
WASHINGTON — The State Department reversed track and turned down a Syrian delegation's request for a meeting with a top American diplomat for the Middle East.
A State Department spokesman, Gonzalo Gallegos, said today that Assistant Secretary of State David Welch would not meet the delegation. Earlier, America had said that Mr. Welch would schedule a meeting if requested. Mr. Gallegos would not explain why the request had been turned down.
He said, "We're unable to meet with them now."
The delegation includes an adviser to Prime Minister Naji Otari of Syria. But a Syrian government official involved in negotiations with Israel canceled his visit.
America and Syria have diplomatic ties. But Syria is on the State Department's state sponsor of terrorism list.
Mr. Gallegos says America considers the trip being organized by a non-governmental organization as a private visit.
