Millions of Iraqis have fled the violence at home for neighboring Syria and Jordan. But their welcome is wearing thin, and many are looking for ways to move on to other destinations.
The United States has reproached Syria for sentencing online civic activists.
Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shara charged on Thursday that the United States and Israel do not want Syria or the Palestinians involved in any Middle East peace settlement.
The United States on Friday criticized the Syrian government for what it called harsh sentencing of seven young democrats and sought their immediate and unconditional release.
Syria has decided to close its Jussa-Al-Qaa border post with Lebanon because of the month-long battle between the Lebanese army and Islamists, the state news agency SANA announced.
DAMASCUS - Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shara has charged that the United States and Israel do not want Syria or the Palestinians involved in any Middle East peace settlement.
The Masnaa border crossing with Syria witnessed heavy congestion on Thursday, a day after Syria's decision to close down the northern Qaa-Joussieh crossing, as merchants and residents sought alternative routes for commerce and travel.
Syria - Iran - Relations Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Shara here on Thursday strongly supports his country's ties with Tehran and underlined that it would be to the benefit of Arab countries.
All Things Considered , June 22, 2007 ยท Human rights organizations say the flow of Iraqi refugees forced out of the country by violence is a silent crisis. There are no posters of starving Iraqi children to spur awareness and fundraising campaigns.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem was quoted as saying Thursday that Syria is "more than ready" to renew peace talks with Israel. Moallem, speaking at a meeting with European Union envoys in Damascus, said the two sides must approach peace talks without preconditions.