Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al- Muallem Wednesday called upon the United States to assume its role as an honest sponsor of the Mideast peace process, while meeting with the visiting U.S. senators, the official SANA news agency reported.

"The United States should take over her role as an honest sponsor of the peace process to contribute to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East," the minister was quoted as telling the two U.S. Senators, John Kerry and Christopher Dodd.

Muallem also emphasized Syria's keenness on security and stability in the region and the need that the international community hold responsibility to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the UN resolutions and the land for peace formula.

The two sides also exchanged views on the latest international and regional developments, mainly in Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Iraq, SANA said.

Despite loud objections from the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush, Senator John Kerry and Christopher Dodd flew into Damascus Tuesday for talks with Syrian officials on bringing about stability and security to Iraq.

The visit came a few days after a similar one by Senator Bill Nelson last week following a top-level U.S. panel proposed President Bush to engage direct talks with both Syria and Iran on Iraqi and broader issues in the Middle East.

Kerry, a Democrat presidential candidate in 2004 and critic of the Bush administration's policies in Iraq, just wrapped up visits to Egypt, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.

Dodd, also a Democrat who is considering whether to run for U.S. president in 2008, had also paid a visit to Iraq.

Syria has been under unilateral U.S. economic sanctions since May 2004 for its alleged roles of supporting terrorism and interference in Lebanon.

Source: Xinhua