Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said border control with Lebanon was "impossible" as Washington warned Syria against using the latest spree of bomb attacks in Damascus and Tripoli as an excuse to meddle in Lebanese affairs.

"We cannot control the common border," Muallem told the daily Asharq al-Awsat in remarks published Wednesday, pointing to continuous smuggling "from and to Lebanon."

He said border control requires demarcation of the Lebanon-Syria border and reaching a security agreement.

Muallem, however, denied that arms are making their way over the border into Lebanon, claiming Hizbullah "is in no need for that."

He also denied changes in Syria's foreign policy.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. State Department official warned Syria against "using the latest terrorist acts in Damascus and Tripoli as pretext for Syrian intervention in Lebanese affairs."

The official told the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat in remarks published Wednesday that world powers have warned Syria against sending forces to Lebanon.

He said Washington has been briefed on reports of Syrian troops' buildup along its border with Lebanon.

"The international community has made it clear to Syria that it cannot send its forces into Lebanon," the official said.

Muallem's remarks followed meetings in New York with senior U.S. State Department officials on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in a sign of thaw between Washington and Damascus.

Muallem said Syria, which is branded by Washington as a sponsor of terrorism, is encouraged by recent meetings with U.S. officials.

On Friday, Muallem met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and held more-detailed talks Monday with Assistant Secretary of State David Welch in New York.

"I consider this a good progress in the American position," Muallem told the Wall Street Journal. "We agreed to continue this dialogue."

He said Syria's increased engagement with the U.S. underscores Washington's recognition of Damascus' role in promoting stability in Iraq and Lebanon. "The situation in the Middle East is improving," he said.

The U.S. administration froze diplomatic relations with Syria following the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri, which Washington blames on Damascus. Syria denies involvement.

U.S. President George Bush imposed economic sanctions on Syria for alleged support of terrorism.

"There are Islamic extremists coming over our borders," Muallem said. Terrorism has "spread and increased because of a lack of cooperation and a failure to tackle its roots."

He said Damascus is in the process of sending ambassadors to Iraq and Lebanon and is seeking to step up economic ties with both nations.

The Wall Street Journal said that during talks with Muallem, the U.S. officials encouraged Syria's indirect peace talks with Israel but reiterated it needed to do more to stem the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq, and of weapons into Lebanon.

Muallem said his country is looking forward to closer ties with the next U.S. administration, whether it is headed by Barack Obama or John McCain.

He said that "unfortunately" the Bush administration's position toward Syria "shifted too late."

"But I hope this shift will have its implications for the future administration."