DAMASCUS, Sept 11 (AFP) - US Middle East pointman William Burns promised Syrian leaders Saturday that an end to meddling in Lebanese and Iraqi affairs would be rewarded with improved relations.
But after the highest-level US talks here in more than a year, the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs also held out a stick, hammering home the US concerns that sparked the imposition of unilateral sanctions earlier this year.
"We emphasized in particular the political importance of supporting the Iraqi government in its efforts to ensure stability and security," Burns said.
"Syria should not be used as a platform to undermine Iraqi stability," he said echoing longstanding accusations that Damascus has been turning a blind eye to militants infiltrating across the border.
"We discussed among other things practical ways in which our military experts might cooperate with Syrian and Iraqi counterparts on this problem."
On Lebanon, the US envoy said: "We underscored our deep concern over Syrian intervention in the Lebanese political process."
He was referring to Lebanese MPs' adoption of a Syrian-inspired constitutional amendment earlier this month keeping pro-Damascus President Emile Lahoud in office for another three years, despite a UN Security Council resolution passed the previous day demanding an end to outside influence.
We "reiterated that in accordance with UN (Security Council Resolution) 1559 Syria must end its interference in Lebanese internal affairs, withdraw its forces from Lebanon and allow the Lebanese armed forces and government to establish their authority throughout Lebanon," said Burns.
Under the terms of the resolution, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is required to report back to the council in 30 days on compliance with its provisions, after which enforcement action can be considered.
"If Syria takes action on these concerns, our relationship can take a very different course with positive results," Burns vowed.
It was a more nuanced message than that predicted by Burns' deputy Elizabeth Dibble in an interview published by the Beirut daily As-Safir on Friday.
"Burns will deliver a strong message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad because it is time for Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanon and for an end to all interference in its internal affairs," she said.
"Our options include a return to the Security Ccouncil as well as the imposition of new sanctions.
"Depending on how Burns gets on in Damascus and on the report that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is due to release ... we will weigh up our options."
Syria still maintains 16,000 troops in its smaller neighbour, a hangover from a larger force deployed during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war.
Washington also accuses Damascus of backing Palestinian militant groups it regards as terrorist and seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction, charges that the Syrian authorities deny.