DAMASCUS, 19 February 2004 — The British Embassy in Damascus said yesterday it has been closed to the public for several days because of an unspecified security threat, but the Syrian Foreign Ministry said there was no need for the closure.

“It has been closed to the public from last week, for security reasons that we cannot discuss,” the embassy’s political secretary, Mark Bell, told AFP. He could not say when the embassy would re-open nor if there was a specific security threat against the British, but only that “the situation is under review.”

He added that the work of the embassy was continuing but that visa services were being conducted through an international courier company. The Syrian Foreign Ministry “regretted” the decision, an official told AFP.

“The concerned Syrian authorities believe the British move is not necessary since the Foreign Ministry has responded to all reasonable and logical requests to ensure the security of the embassy and its employees,” said the official, who requested he not be named. “Syria is a safe and stable country and it is not necessary to take special security measures,” he said.

Syria has denied US charges that militants waging a guerrilla war against the US-led coalition in Iraq are based in Syria.