THE EU REWARDS SYRIA

THE EUROPEAN UNION REWARDED SYRIA YESTERDAY FOR....NOT WITHDRAWING FROM ITS OCCUPATION OF LEBANON, NOT STOPPING ITS WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION PROGRAM/PURSUIT, NOT MAKING PEACE WITH ISRAEL, AND SENDING TERRORISTS OVER THE IRAQI BORDER TO FIGHT THE COALITION. UN-BE-LIEVABLE.

EU and Syria Initial Association Pact
The European Union and Syria Tuesday initialed an association agreement that commits both sides to work towards free trade - as well as against weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. Syria was the only Mediterranean country in the EU's "Barcelona process" - launched in 1995 - not to have concluded an association agreement thus far. The agreement provides for the creation of a free-trade area between the EU and Syria as part of the larger goal of a "Euro-Mediterranean" free-trade zone by 2010. (AFP/EUBusiness-UK)

See also Israel Slams Syrian Deal with EU - Herb Keinon
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told the cabinet Sunday that stepping up international pressure and isolating both Syria and Iran at this time is "critical." Shalom called the EU's intention to sign an "association agreement" with Syria a "pity," and called on Europe to "strengthen the international front against terror." A continuation of international pressure against Damascus will cause it to abandon terror "and will bring them back to the negotiating table with Israel faster," he said. (Jerusalem Post)