UK, Syria To Share Intel

November 19, 2008 8:42 a.m. EST

(TML) - The high-profile visit to Syria by the United Kingdom's foreign secretary, David Miliband, may have borne significant fruits for the "war on terror," according to a report in Wednesday's edition of the British newspaper The Times.

Miliband was the highest-level UK diplomat to fly into Damascus in seven years. The event signaled preparedness by Washington's main ally to work with Syria rather than to isolate it.

The newspaper report suggests Miliband received a promise from his Syrian counterpart Walid Al-Mu'allim to cooperate on intelligence. The idea had been mooted earlier in the year but now the work can actually begin. It is believed Syria's knowledge includes details of the operations of some Islamist groups in the region, with a particular focus on Iraq.

During his talks with Al-Mu'allim and other top Syrian officials, Miliband did point out London's dissatisfaction with Syria's support for terrorist organizations, as they are designated in the West.

Miliband met Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad for the first time. The head of state told his guest that while he supported the continuation of the peace process with Israel, the Israelis needed to show far more seriousness if the negotiations were to accomplish anything.

Al-Asad also called for greater European involvement in the peace track. To date, Turkey has taken the lead, facilitating indirect talks.

The UK will not try to replace Ankara as the lead broker, Miliband told reporters in Israel, prior to his arrival in Syria. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has also tried to push forward the Syrian-Israeli process, but seemingly with little success.

Miliband's visit could also pave the way to improved relations between Damascus and Washington. While the United States' main allies have been urging the reintegration of Syria into the international community, the Bush administration has been reluctant do so, because of what it sees as Syria's role as a state sponsor of terror and its perceived interference in Lebanon's political process.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Al-Mu'allim, Miliband said the swearing in of a new American president could present itself as an opportunity to open a new page in Syrian-American relations.