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WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) issued the following statement today, defending Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) against White House attacks concerning her trip to Syria. Senator Kerry traveled to Syria with Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) on a Middle East tour in December 2006, where they met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Senator Kerry's statement is below:
"America would be stronger if the White House started listening to Speaker Pelosi, Secretary James Baker, countless Republicans and everyone else who understands that effective foreign policy often requires talking with countries who aren't our friends.
"Senator Specter has visited Syria. A Republican Congressional delegation was in Damascus this past weekend. In fact, until this administration came along, treating dialogue as a means rather than an end used to be Foreign Policy 101.
"There is certainly no guarantee that we can turn Syria into a more constructive force in the region, but the current policy only guarantees more of the same. The Baker Hamilton Commission found potential for cooperation with Syria in averting a disaster in Iraq. That potential should be put to the test. Washington can't remain on the sidelines. Conversation is not capitulation.
"Conversation can be worthwhile, and it's clearer by the day that the Baker Hamilton Commission's recommendation of resuming direct dialogue with Syria should be pursued. I hope Speaker Pelosi will debrief the Administration, so they may see the merit of this approach."
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