Contradicting a key recommendation of the Iraq Study Group, President Bush on Thursday ruled out talks with Iran or Syria until the countries stop trying to destabilize the Middle East.
“If people come to the table to discuss Iraq, they need to come understanding their responsibilities: to not fund terrorists, to help this young democracy survive, to help with the economics of the country,” Bush said during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. “If Syria and Iran are not committed to that concept, then they shouldn’t bother to show up.”
Direct talks with Syria and Iran were recommended Wednesday by the Iraq Study Group, which was co-chaired by Republican James Baker, former secretary of state, and Democrat Lee Hamilton, a former congressman.
“Both Iran and Syria have a lot of influence in the region and have a lot of impact on Iraq,” Hamilton argued. “We will be criticized, I’m sure, for talking with our adversaries. But I do not see how you solve these problems without talking to them.”
While careful to praise the study group for its 79 recommendations, Bush made clear he would not heed the call for talks with Iran and Syria until Tehran abandons its nuclear ambitions and Damascus stops undermining Lebanon.
“The truth of the matter is that these countries have now got the choice to make,” Bush said in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. “If they want to sit down at the table with the United States, it’s easy. Just make some decisions that’ll lead to peace, not to conflict.”
Blair had a message for those in Iran and Syria who want to participate in talks about the future of Iraq.
“You support the democratic-elected government, you do not support sectarians, and you do not support, arm or finance terrorists,” he said.
