US embassy in Damascus closed for security measures revision

The American embassy in Damascus today closed its doors before clients in order to re-assess security measures.

These measures have been tightened around the embassy which is often guarded by the Syrian security forces. Several police and internal security cars are cordoning the building.

The embassy said that the closure will last for one day giving no further details, and that a statement will be made on re-opening it later.

Last Sunday Washington said that Syria has made a progress over its demands on the Iraqi file and that it failed in two other issues reflected in stopping support for the Palestinian resistance movements and withdrawal from the Lebanese territories.

The spokesman for the US Department Of State Richard Boucher said that Damascus has completed "certain steps" in monitoring its borders with Iraq and stopping the crossing of fighters from it. He stressed that "the issue that the Palestinian groups which work from Damascus and the issue of persons who are still able to move remain open and we do not see matters move much," in this regard.