The US says it won't hold private talks with Syria when officials from the two countries attend a conference next month in Iraq.

"There will not be bilateral talks between the United States and Iran, or the United States and Syria, within the context of these meetings," White House spokesman Tony Snow said. He said the talks will only focus on Iraq, but he conceeded that if other topics come up, the US may discuss them.

This is Syria's opportunity to push its agenda.

When both countries agreed to attend, hopes were raised of a much awaited dialogue between the two countries.

Another meeting is planned for April - rumoured to be in Istanbul - with the Foreign Ministers of Syria and the US possibly attending.

Labels: Iraq, US