Washington, August 27: The United States said Wednesday it hoped that Iraq and Syria would pursue dialogue after they recalled their envoys over Baghdad’s allegations that its neighbor is sheltering insurgents.
“We believe that as a general principle that diplomatic dialogue is the best way to address the concerns of both parties,” State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.
The diplomatic spat flared after Iraq alleged that Syria was harboring leaders who plotted one of two devastating attacks that killed 95 people and wounded about 600 in the Iraqi capital last week.
“We are working with the Iraqis to determine who perpetrated these horrible acts of violence,” Kelly said.
“It’s an internal matter for the Iraqi government and Syrian government,” he said. “But we hope this doesn’t hinder dialogue between the two countries.”
The incident set back recent efforts to build ties which had been improving between the two countries since the US-led invasion in 2003.
Syria is ruled by a rival branch of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s Baath party, now outlawed by Baghdad.
–Agencies