A Syrian government newspaper says UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon is encouraging militant attacks by focusing his criticism on the government.

President George Bush is carrying "chaotic ideas" with him on his Middle East tour, which is doomed to fail, Syria said today.

North Korea and Syria today denied claims that they are co-operating on a Syrian nuclear programme.

Syria has warned that if Israel elects hardliner Ariel Sharon it will herald "a new ominous era" which threatens the Middle East peace process.