US Envoys Hold 'Constructive' Talks in Syria

U.S. envoys met with Syrian officials in Damascus Saturday, the highest level talks between the United States and Syria since 2005.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman said he and White House official Daniel Shapiro discussed bilateral relations with Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem. Feltman described the talks as "very constructive."

The United States has not had an ambassador in Syria since Damascus was implicated in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria has denied involvement.

In Turkey, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. and Syria are just beginning to explore the issues that must be discussed between them. She said Washington has not decided on the next step.

The Obama administration has said that opening up a successful dialogue with Syria will depend on whether Damascus rejects terrorism and militants who oppose Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Syria, along with Iran, have been major supporters of Hezbollah, the political wing of a Lebanese militant group that Washington considers a terrorist organization.

Before their visit to Syria Saturday, the senior U.S. envoys met with Lebanese officials in Beirut to reassure them of Washington's continued support.

On Friday, a U.S. spokesman said the U.S. will not follow Britain's move to establish "low-level" contacts with Hezbollah.