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US-controlled Iraq opens new rail link with Syria despite sanction campaign
The railway linking the Syrian town of Aleppo to Mosul in northern Iraq is scheduled to re-open on November 21, 2003. The plan was approved despite the United Statesâ presence in the region and Tuesdayâs endorsement of the Syria Accountability Act. The train will depart Aleppo Thursday nights and will make five stops during the 11-hour journey to Mosul, reported SANA. The 745-kilometer railway was first restored in 2000 after a decade-long interruption following Iraqâs 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The railway was opened to facilitate the growth of bilateral trade, as well as the use of Syrian and Lebanese ports to import goods from Europe. Despite tense relations between the US and Syria, the CPA applauded the July resumption of railway services between northern Iraq and the state labeled by the US as a supporter of terrorism. Operations were renewed under the administration of the US Army, the official supervisors of Iraqâs northern region.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-11-13 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=21197 |