To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of US accusations of Syrian involvement in (a) terrorism and (b) insurgency in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

We share the US concerns about terrorism in the region and the insurgency in Iraq. We have made clear to Syria that we expect them to play a constructive role in tackling both of these issues.

In this context we welcome the steps Syria and Iraq have taken to strengthen their co-operation, including the handing over of Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan to Iraq. We encourage them to continue to develop such co-operation.

We have repeatedly told Syria that she must address the problems created by Palestinian rejectionist groups. Closure of their offices in Damascus is a step in the right direction but Syria must exercise her influence over these groups in a positive manner.