United Nations: In an indirect reference to the United States, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed concern that "recent statements" directed at Syria could contribute to wider destabilisation in a region already affected heavily by war in Iraq.

"The Secretary-General is concerned that recent statements directed at Syria should not contribute to a wider destabilisation in a region already affected heavily by the war in Iraq," his spokesman said on April 14.

The brief statement by his spokesman came shortly after the Bush administration warned Syria against harbouring members of the Saddam Hussein government and raised the possibility of it having chemical weapons.

Apparently referring to the Bush administration officials saying that they are not contemplating war against Syria, Annan welcomed "recent clarifications in this regard".

The Secretary-General reiterates his "strongly-held view that any claim of threat to international peace and security should be addressed in conformity with the provisions of the (UN) Charter", the statement said.

American Secretary of State Colin Powell has talked about the possibility of diplomatic and economic sanctions.

Syria has denied that it is co-operating with members of the Saddam Hussein regime or harbouring them. It has also denied that it has chemical weapons.

PTI