Paul Bremer, the top U.S. administrator in Iraq, said Sunday that those fighters are taking part in deadly and escalating attacks on U.S. forces.

"What we need in the case of the Syrian border is much better cooperation from the Syrian government in stopping these people on their side," he told CNN. The same message, he added, applies to Iran.

Also participating in the two days of talks in Damascus were the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan - all bordering Iraq - and politically influential Egypt. The nations, including both opponents and supporters of the U.S.-led war, have been concerned about the far- reaching regional consequences of the U.S. occupation and a pro- American government in Baghdad.

The ministers expressed support for Baghdad's U.S.-appointed interim administration, welcoming the body to join in future talks.

The next meeting was set for Kuwait, but no date was given.

Iraq's U.S.-appointed Government Council snubbed the meeting, apparently offended by two last- minute invitations that Iraq's foreign minister called "vague." In refusing the invitations - made only the night before the talks began - Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari also said the Governing Council would reject any decisions made at the meeting.