Syria has rejected US accusations that it allows fighters to sneak into Iraq, describing what it called Washington's threat of using force as part of its relentless pressure on Damascus.

"It is regrettable that such language should come from the ambassador of a great power who is supposed to show more commitment to the norms of international relations," Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah said on Monday.

The US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, fired a strong warning to Syria earlier during the day over help that Washington accuses the Damascus government of giving to radical groups in Iraq.
"Our patience is running out with Syria," Khalilzad said in Washington. When asked how the US could respond, he said "all options are on the table", including military. 

US threat

"I would not like to elaborate more, they should understand what I mean," Khalilzad said.  

Dakhlallah retorted: "There is a threat of aggression there, and a style which is reminiscent of colonial eras and cold and hot wars.

"Moreover, there are old, groundless accusations relating to the Iraqi-Syrian borders."

Dakhlallah said: "Syria has exerted efforts almost beyond its capacity as a small and developing country to protect the border because Iraq's stability is a Syrian concern, not just an Iraqi concern. Stability is indivisible and dangers most often come from two directions.

"In any event, we have got used to this language from the United States. It represents a clear escalation in a chain of successive pressures on Syria," he added. 

Khalilzad said the US believes that Iraqi Sunnis are refusing to agree to a proposed constitution because of threats from Sunni extremists who have infiltrated into Iraq from Syria, where they have training camps.

"Syria has to decide what price it's willing to pay in making Iraq success difficult. And time is running out for Damascus to decide on this issue," he warned.

Khalilzad offered no proof of claims of Syrian interference, which he called "blatant".

Syria has repeatedly rejected charges that it allows anti-US fighters to cross its border into Iraq.

PHOTO CAPTION

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad talks to the media at the State Department Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, in Washington. (AP)