Damascus Bars Iraqis Who Don’t Have Visas
Syria has banned Iraqis without visas from entering the country, airline sources confirmed, apparently in an effort to counter U.S. charges that Damascus is sheltering former members of Saddam Hussein’s regime.
The move was another sign that Syria seeks to ease tensions with Washington before an expected visit by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.
Syria quietly issued a directive last week banning the entry of any Iraqi who did not already hold a visa. Previously, visas could be obtained at airports or border crossings upon arrival.
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