Washington intensifies contacts with the Syrian opposition

The American administration has intensified contacts with the Syrian opposition, amid fears that the state of unrest in Lebanon will cause wider instability in the region, according to American officials.

Senior American officials taking part in Middle East peace process activities met with Americans of Syrian origin including political activists, leaders of communities, academics, opposition groups in Washington last Thursday.

One official in the White House confirmed the contacts, noting that the meetings were attended by representatives for the White House and other departments including the defense department ( the Pentagon).

For her part, the US secretary of state Condaleezza Rice said in an interview issued on Saturday with the US Washington Post that the administration of the US President George W. Bush continues contacting with the largest number possible of persons concerning developments in Syria and Lebanon.

Rice told the paper that what the US is trying to do is to assess the situation so as not to be surprised by the unexpected, noting that events are changing dramatically and in unpredictable directions.

The American minister explained that Washington will study all possibilities and carry out talks with the largest possible number of persons.

The paper indicated that American officials denied that the meeting was held for the purpose of coordinating efforts to topple the regime of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

A senior officials at the US Department Of state said that the meeting discussed reforms and change in the region including Syria "and how can we help in that and to work with persons in the region and in Syria to support this operation."