Syrian ambassador sees hope in recent Mideast peace talks

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Syria's ambassador to Washington is optimistic a recent US-hosted Mideast peace conference will serve as a start to improved relations with the United States. Imad Moustapha, Syria's ambassador to the United States, was involved in the recent peace talks in Annapolis, Maryland. Syria wanted a promise from Israel to restart stalled talks and improve diplomatic relationships with the Bush administration, he said. "Annapolis has created this new momentum for peace," he told more than 400 people gathered Tuesday at the University of Montana. The Bush administration has recently appeared to relax its diplomatic hard line against Syria, which has played a role in past peace efforts.