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Blair Urges Syria in Terror Fight
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
(9:01 AM ET) (14:01 GMT)
The Cable News Network

Blair: One of the architects of the coalition against terrorism.
Photo Credit: The Associated Press.

DAMASCUS, Syria -- CNN
U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair has returned to the Middle East in an effort to patch up the shaky cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians and consolidate the coalition against terrorism.

Wednesday's visit to Syria -- the first by a British prime minister -- comes amid increasing tension in the region.

Blair is also trying to counter growing opposition within the UK to the military campaign in Afghanistan.

Syria hosts more than 10 Palestinian groups that oppose the Mideast peace process, including Hamas and al-Jihad, groups that have claimed responsibility for recent suicide attacks in Israel. Western diplomats want Syria to rein in those groups.
(More: CNN News Source)
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Dan