Deal Reached for Trade, Political Ties with Syria

The European Commission said Wednesday it has struck a deal that could further distance the European Union’s foreign policy towards "rogue states" from that of the United States. The Commission said it would develop political and trade ties with Syria, extending Brussels' policy of constructive engagement with countries dubbed "rogue states" by the U.S. government. "We managed yesterday, in Damascus, to reach an understanding with the Syrian side on all remaining issues in the negotiations for a Euro-Mediterranean association agreement," a Commission spokesperson said. The deal includes a clause on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and rules which will facilitate trade ties. The EU has backed a policy of engagement with Iran, Libya and Syria to address human rights, non-proliferation and terrorism issues. Syria was the last of 12 states to sign the deal forming the association. (EUobserver.com)