Ya Libnan Political News: US abruptly cancels Syrian visitors' meeting

Published: Thursday, 24 July, 2008 @ 8:31 AM in Beirut Beirut / Washington - In an abrupt about-face, the State Department on Wednesday scrubbed plans to meet with a visiting delegation from Syria, a meeting that could have signaled an easing of tense U.S. relations with Damascus. One day after he said the delegation, in Washington on what is described as a private visit, would be received by a top State Department official, spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said the meeting will not take place. "We've taken a look at their scheduling, we've taken a look at their program, and we're not going to be able to [have a meeting] at this time," Mr. Gallegos said. On Tuesday, the spokesman said the department was ready to meet with the group "at an appropriate level," and did not rule out the possibility of a meeting with Assistant Secretary... [read full story]