U.S. angered by Syria's cooperation with Iraq

CAIRO — The United States has quietly relayed warnings to Syria to end its growing cooperation with Iraq.

The warnings were sent as a result of Syria's decision to open its borders with Iraq. U.S. diplomatic sources said this could mark a major setback for the Bush administration's plans to impose so-called smart sanctions on the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Washington has sought the help of Iraq's neighbors to ensure that military or dual-use items are not smuggled to Iraq. Over the last two months, U.S. officials have met with leaders of Jordan, Syria and Turkey and quietly passed messages to Iran.

A senior U.S. official said Washington is upset with the Syrian decision to open its borders with Iraq. The official was quoted by the London-based Al Hayat daily on Saturday as saying this was marked "a dangerous game by Syria and a big mistake."

The official said Iran was playing a positive role in the Bush administration's efforts to contain Iraq. The administration has been holding indirect contacts with the Islamic republic.

Meanwhile, Iraq has achieved cooperation with Algeria in energy issues. Officials said the two countries reached agreement during a visit this week by Algerian Energy Minister Chakib Khalil.