U.S. envoy Mitchell in second visit to Damascus 25 July to seek progress on Syrian-Israeli, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks; Mitchell promised administration assistance in seeking case-by-case exemptions from U.S. sanctions on telecommunications, IT, aircraft parts. U.S. sanctions on prominent Syrian individuals renewed 31 July. President Assad 3 July issued formal invitation to U.S. President Obama; U.S. Dep Sec State Steinberg said such visit “will not take place soon” as Syria still transit for Hizbollah arms, Iraq fighters. Saudi Arabia appointed ambassador to Damascus 6 July after post vacant since 2008. Leading human rights lawyer Mohannad al-Hassani arrested 28 July

Further signs of thaw in U.S.-Syria relations, as U.S. 24 June announced would send ambassador to Damascus after 4-year absence. U.S. Mid-East envoy Mitchell said Syria has “crucial role” in reaching comprehensive peace after 13 June meeting with President Assad. U.S. military delegation in Damascus for 12 June talks on Iraq security. IAEA 5 June reported traces of undeclared uranium found at second site; Syria denied allegations of illicit nuclear activities. Assad 22 June said ready to cooperate with UN court investigating murder of former Lebanese PM Hariri “within conditions”.

U.S. renewed sanctions 8 May, said Syria poses continuing threat to U.S. interests. U.S. 11 May called on Syria to take action against al-Qaeda fighters entering Iraq, after Gen. Petraeus late Apr said pipeline through Syria “reactivated”; U.S. Asst Sec State Feltman 6 May held “constructive” meeting with FM Muallim in Syria in 2nd 2009 visit. Israeli PM Netanyahu 8 May said “Israel will never withdraw from Golan”; 20 May stated Israel ready for talks with Syria without preconditions. Syria 12 May reiterated willingness to resume talks but 15 May said Israel no “partner for peace”. Kurd dissident Mishaal alTammo sentenced to 3.5 years in prison 12 May; dissident writer Michel Kilo freed 19 May after 3 years in prison.

Israeli FM Lieberman 26 Apr rejected commitment to return Golan as precondition for renewed Israel-Syria peace talks. Syrian Muslim Brotherhood (MB) 4 Apr announced withdrawal from exile opposition alliance with former vice president Khaddam following discord over MB contacts with regime.

High-level U.S. envoys met FM Muallim in Damascus 7 March for talks on bilateral, regional issues; expressed optimism for future progress. Lebanon opened embassy in Damascus 16 March. Syria 24 March appointed ambassador to Beirut embassy opened in Dec (see Lebanon).

President Bashar al-Assad met with U.S. congressional delegations in Damascus 18, 21 Feb, including John Kerry, Senate Foreign Relations Committee head; Kerry said Syria could help achieve Palestinian unity govt. EU external relations commissioner Ferrero-Waldner also met with Assad 16 Feb. Syrian ambassador to U.S. in high-level State Dept meetings 26 Feb. IAEA 19 Feb reported finding new traces of uranium in samples collected from alleged nuclear weapons site Al Kibar in June.

Incoming U.S. Sec of State Clinton 13 Jan said new Obama administration to move on engagement with Syria soon; President Assad welcomed dialogue if without preconditions. French President Sarkozy in Damascus 6 Jan, requested Syrian help in obtaining Hamas ceasefire in Gaza (see Israel/OPT), while Assad condemned Israeli raids. At 16 Jan Qatar summit, Assad called on Arab states to cut ties with Israel. Hundreds of thousands attended Damascus protest against Israeli offensive 8 Jan. Israeli troops in occupied Golan Heights reportedly hit by gunfire from Syria 11 Jan. Iraq 28 Jan sent first ambassador to Damascus since 1979.

Events in Gaza (see Israel/OPT) overshadowed reports of improving relations between Damascus and West. Thousands, many Palestinian refugees, protested Israeli assault, Egyptian closure of Rafah crossing. President Assad condemned Israeli actions. Damascus suspended Turkish- mediated indirect negotiations with Israel 28 Dec as Turkish PM Erdogan also criticised Israel. Former U.S. President Carter in visit to Lebanon and Syria met with Assad in Damascus 13 Dec. IAEA head ElBaradei in interview published 21 Dec said still waiting for information from both Israel and Syria regarding Al Kibar alleged nuclear site bombed by Israel in Sept 2007.

Tensions with U.S. remained high following 26 Oct U.S. cross-border attack on Syrian territory. Damascus continued to reject accusations of support to terrorists. Iraq and Syria agreed to increase border security cooperation. IAEA report 19 Nov said building destroyed in Sept 2007 Israeli air strike at Al Kibar site bore similarities to nuclear reactor, found traces of uranium– but did not exclude non-nuclear use. IAEA called for further inspections, cooperation from Syria and Israel. Head of Syria’s atomic agency 21 Nov said would not allow another visit. Despite initial resistance by U.S. and others, IAEA 25 Nov approved technical aid to Syria to build power-producing reactor. David Miliband in 19 Nov visit to Damascus, first by UK foreign minister since 2001, urged Syria to promote stability in region. Syria 6 Nov broadcast confessions by Islamist militants in 27 Sept Damascus car bombing that killed 17 (see Lebanon).

Unprecedented U.S. helicopter raid 26 Oct inside Syrian territory on Iraq border drew strong criticism. Damascus said raid killed 8 civilians. U.S. officials said it targeted and killed top al-Qaeda in Iraq figure running weapons, fighters through Syria. Thousands protested in Damascus 30 Oct. Events in sharp contrast with earlier signs including FM Moallem meetings in U.S. end Sept. Syria 1 Oct urged greater security cooperation on Lebanon border to address smuggling, following deadly 27 Sept Damascus car-bombing; more Syrian troops reportedly moved to eastern Lebanon border. President Assad signed decree 15 Oct establishing diplomatic relations with Beirut (see Lebanon).