DAMASCUS, Sept 22: Syria has hinted it could send troops to help restore security in Iraq, but only if Washington sets a timetable for pulling out its forces and handing over the reconstruction of Iraq to the United Nations.

In remarks published on Monday, Expatriates Minister Bouthaina Shaaban said Syria was ready to commit troops if the US relinquished more control to the United Nations.

“Syria would be willing and all Arab countries would be willing,” Mr Shaaban was quoted as telling Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper. She was speaking in her capacity as foreign ministry spokeswoman before the reshuffling of Syria’s government last week.

“If these two points are addressed, all the Arabs will be willing to restore security and help in the reconstruction of Iraq,” she said. “This is the only way to send troops to Iraq.”

Syria, which is governed by a rival wing of Iraq’s Baath party, is under mounting pressure from Washington, which accuses it of allowing fighters cross its borders to attack US troops occupying Iraq.—Reuters