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The secretary-general of the Arab League said Monday that a spillover of war from Iraq to its neighbors could cause havoc across a region already "engulfed in extreme anger."

Amr Moussa's remarks follow a stern warning by the United States that Syria is helping Iraq militarily and supporting terrorism.

"The situation is already serious with the war in Iraq, so you can just imagine how serious it will be, and how dangerous it will be, if it spills over to other places," Moussa said.

Moussa was in Greece for a one-day visit and meetings with Premier Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou. Greece holds the European Union presidency.

"The region is already engulfed in extreme anger and agitation because of what's going on in Iraq and what is going on in Palestine. More than that, it will sow havoc across the region," Moussa said. "At the same time, any spread of the conflict ... would affect the security in the Mediterranean."

On Friday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accused Syria of sending military equipment, including night-vision goggles, to Iraqi forces.

Moussa, a former Egyptian foreign minister, is an outspoken critic of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.

At Monday's meeting, Moussa and Papandreou talked about possible diplomatic efforts to stop the war.

"All consultations center around how to stop the war and as soon as we can," Moussa said. "The destruction we see every day, that Baghdad is being hit every hour on the hour, is too much for any Arab to swallow, for any person to accept."

In an interview with Greece's state-run NET television, Moussa added that many Arabs would view resistance by Iraqi forces even if ultimately unsuccessful as a victory for Iraq.

"I think (the U.S. and Britain) have miscalculated ... they have let the genie out of the jar," he said. "The cries for revenge will be everywhere."

photo credit and caption:

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, left, speaks with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa during their meeting in Athens on Monday, March 31, 2003. Moussa is in Athens for talks with Greek government officials. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

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