Syria accuses US of interfering in Arab affairs

Syria today accused the United States of interfering in Arab League affairs, as a US envoy travelled to Cairo for talks with the bloc about ending the Damascus regime's crackdown on dissent.Meanwhile, democracy activists have denounced the 22-member Arab bloc over the "unprofessionalism" of a team of peace observers whose presence in Syria has failed to stem the bloodshed."The United States is one of the parties which is seeking to rekindle violence by its mobilisation and incitement (to violence)," foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi said in a statement."The US... statements are a gross interference in the work of the Arab League and an unjustified attempt to internationalise" the issue.League observers have been in Syria since last week trying to assess the regime's implementation of a peace agreement aimed at ending the deadly violence.The US State Department yesterday said that Jeffrey Feltman, assistant secretary of state for Near East Affairs, would travel to Egypt for consultations with the Arab League about Syria.Feltman was due in Cairo later today and is scheduled to hold discussions with the Arab League tomorrow.His trip was announced as the White House said it is past time for the UN Security Council to act, as sniper fire, torture and murder were continuing in Syria and the Arab League conditions for the regime have been dishonoured."We want to see the international community stand together united in support of the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.