WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) issued the following statement in response to Secretary of State Rice's meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister today at the Iraq summit in Egypt. Kerry, who traveled to Syria on a fact-finding mission in December and met with President Assad, has long called on the Administration to engage in direct dialogue with Syria.

"Secretary Rice's long overdue meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister is welcome news to many from both parties who have called for direct engagement with Syria," Senator Kerry said. "I appreciate the fact that this Administration, which has been so quick to criticize those of us who have met with Syrian leaders, has finally decided to take this important diplomatic step. There's no better way to test Syrian intentions than by asking tough questions face to face. I hope the White House uses this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with Syria as the United States and the international community works towards our goal of stabilizing Iraq and the region."