Syria on Neutral Path - 03/10/1961

Tues, Oct 3, 1961 – Page 2

 

Syria on Neutral Path

Lining Up Neither With the East Nor West, New Premier Says Damascus Will Have Relations Will All Who Are Friendly

FULLY ON OWN

Egypt will be treated like every other Arab Country

 

(1961 New York Times News Service)

Damascus, Oct 2. Premier Mahmoun al Kuzbari of Syria today declared a neutralist “nonalignment” policy. Speaking to the first group of foreign correspondents to be admitted to the country since the coup that ended Syria’s union with Egypt, he said “we are not with the West or East. We are with every country that extends to us the hand of friendship.”

Kuzbari said that while his government would seek Arab unity, Egypt would henceforth be treated “like every other Arab country”. He said he had just received a telegram from Iran recognizing the new government. Previously, Jordan and Turkey had recognized the new government, and Egypt then broke relations with these countries.

The premier asserted that there had been one death and tow injuries in Damascus during the coup, and these were among the guards of President Nasser’s chief representative, Marshal Abdel Amer Hakim.

The new regime had released most of the 3,000 political prisoners held by the previous regime, but had taken only a “handful” including Lieut. Col. Abdul Hamid Serraj and his main aides and a few egyptians whose activities were “suspicious”. Colonel Serraj was vice-president in charge of interior affairs and security.

Kuzbari left no doubt that this was a military coup, with the military remaining in ultimate control.

 

U.S May Give O.K.

(1961 New York Times News Service)

Washington, Oct 2. – the United States probably will recognize reconstituted Syriaby the end of the week if the government of Premier Mahmoun al-Kuzbari has established its authority, officials said here today.

Joseph W. Reap, State department spokesman, said the civilian regime installed after last week’s army-led revolt had requested U.S. recognition. The request, Reap said, had been forwarded by Ridgway, U.S. consul general at Damascus, and had arrived here yesterday.

Reap said no decision had yet been taken on the request, and that he did not know when it would be taken.