A McCain presidency would be open to talks with Syria, the Syrian ambassador to the United States said.
"I have reason to believe that even if [Senator John] McCain becomes president of the United States, he will also be inclined to sit and talk with Syria," Imad Moustapha told Foreign Policy magazine in an article in its current issue. "I can tell you this on the record: Senator Joe Lieberman, who is supposed to be very close to McCain, has said this explicitly and very clearly to me personally."
Current Bush administration policy is to isolate Syria. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has pledged to revive diplomatic outreach to Syria and other nations; spokesmen for McCain (R-Ariz.) have said the isolation should continue.
A spokesman for Lieberman (I-Conn.) said the senator could not recall the conversation with Moustapha. Israel and Syria are currently renegotiating peace in indirect talks under Turkish mediation.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.