Bush, who accused Syria of interfering in Lebanon's domestic issues and allowing fighters to cross into Iraq.

Last Friday, the Lebanese daily al-Akbar reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had received a three-page letter from Obama expressing his willingness to cooperate with Syria and to open a new chapter in their relations. It added that Syria had responded with a positive letter of its own.

In July, Mitchell said that he had discussed with al-Assad the prospects for a comprehensive peace in the region and improved US-Syrian relations, adding that 'the US is committed to a dialogue based on mutual interest... and a solid foundation for discussion of our shared goals and of real differences, where they occur'.