London: Britain on April 14 expressed fears that Syria might use fleeing Iraqi
experts to pursue its own interest in developing weapons of mass destruction, but it
insisted on keeping up dialogue with Damascus.
"We are concerned about Syria. We are anxious about the effort (to develop weapon of
mass destruction) they have made in the past," Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told a
press briefing.
"We are anxious that they should not take advantage of any scientific or military
figures crossing the border," he said, adding, however, "It's important to maintain
the dialogue with Syria at this stage."
Britain and the United States have been warning Syria for several days against
giving safe haven to fleeing members of Saddam Hussein regime.
But Hoon's remarks on April 14 - just as Britain's Minister for Middle East Affairs
Mike O'Brien was visiting Damascus - reflected newfound concern that Syria might try
to tap Iraqi weapons-making talent for its own ends.
Hoon said US and British forces remained "absolutely convinced" the weapons of mass
destruction exist inside Iraq, but added that it could take some time to uncover
them.
"The search is proceeding," he said.
"Obviously, as more areas are liberated, we are getting an increasing amount of
information from the local people as to where they think those weapons might be
hidden. Clearly hose are being followed up."
