U.S.: Syria stemming Iraq infiltration

WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department Friday lauded Syria's efforts to stem the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq, but said more was needed.

"First, we have seen some effort by the Syrian government ... to control the border," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. "They've made a certain amount of effort in the past several months that we have noticed."

He conceded, however, that the border was still not secure and Syria remained the preferred transit point for foreign fighters trying to enter U.S.-occupied Iraq.

"We think that there is more that needs to be done," he said.

The comments come as Washington is preparing to impose sanctions on Syria as mandated by the Syrian Accountability Act of 2003.

On Thursday, Syrian Ambassador-designate Imad Moustapha met with Secretary of State Colin Powell. He told reporters the two nations would continue to cooperate despite the impending announcement.