A State Department official in Washington said Wednesday that Powell may travel to Syria to defuse the tension between them.

"We have not been officially notified of his visit, but he will be welcome," said Bussaina Shaaban, director of the foreign ministry's information department.

Damascus has come under pressure in recent weeks from Washington, which has accused it of having chemical weapons and giving refuge to members of the ousted Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein.

The United States has also accused Syria of sending Arab "volunteers" to fight against American and British coalition forces in Iraq.

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Syria had conducted a chemical weapons test during the last 12 to 15 months, while Powell raised the possibility of diplomatic and economic sanctions being imposed.

SPACE.WIRE