Blair in Damascus for talks with Assad

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has flown into the Syrian capital Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad.

Mr Blair risked controversy by starting a Middle East diplomatic mission with a visit to Syria.

Syria is accused by Israel, the US and others of supporting extremist groups opposed to the peace process in the region.

Details of the Prime Minister's visit had been closely guarded by Downing Street, although widely reported overseas, as part of continuing tight security surrounding his movements since September 11.

Mr Blair's latest round of whirlwind international diplomacy came after he insisted there was now "a flood" of intelligence proving Osama bin Laden's guilt for the New York and Washington atrocities and acknowledged concern at home about the bombing campaign against Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister will hold talks with President Assad, with British officials insisting his visit does not compromise the UK's tough stand against terrorism wherever it occurred.