The Bush administration yesterday warned Syria that its patience was "running out" because of its alleged support for Iraqi insurgents, while a UN investigation into the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister extended its probe to Damascus.Zalmay Khalilzad, US ambassador to Baghdad, told reporters in Washington Syria had to close down "training camps" and prevent Arabs sent by al-Qaeda from flying into Damascus international airport on their way to Iraq.
"Our patience is running out with Syria," the envoy said, as US forces in Iraq continued operations along the border with Syria. Asked if the US was considering military force, he said all options were on the table.
The US State Department also directly accused the Syrian government of "supporting groups and individuals who are killing Iraqis".
Separately, Reuters reported from Damascus that Syria had agreed to allow Detlev Mehlis, the chief UN investigator, to question Syrian "witnesses" in connection with the murder in Beirut of Rafiq al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister. The US suspects Syrian involvement in the killing.