Syria says US permits money transfer to charity

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Syria's ambassador in Washington says the US Treasury Department has authorized the transfer of $500,000 to a Syrian charity. Imad Mustafa told reporters in Damascus Sunday the money to the "Children with Cancer Support Association" has been raised by Syrians living in the US. There was no immediate word from the Treasury department on Mustafa's claim. If confirmed, it will be the latest sign that the US is easing its economic embargo on Syria. In 2004, former US President George Bush banned US exports to Syria except for food and medicine. A Syrian newspaper said last week the US Trade Department has agreed to provide spare parts to rehabilitate two Syrian-owned Boeing 747 aircraft out of service for years.