The US yesterday issued a blunt warning to Syria to stop Islamic militants crossing into Iraq, after US forces killed one of Saudi Arabia's most wanted terrorist suspects in the north-west of the country.

Speaking at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of Eight most industrialised nations in London, Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, said: "I would simply say to the Syrian government, let's not have more words about what they can do, let's have action. This is a government that can take action to stop border activity that contributes to the instability in Iraq."

She also stepped up pressure on Syria to withdraw intelligence agents from Lebanon. State Department officials say they are convinced these agents remain in place, in violation of United Nations demands. Christopher Adams, London, and Steve Negus, Baghdad