Syria 'should end smear campaign' of US diplomat

The United States has called on Syria to stop its ''smear campaign' against Ambassador Robert Ford, who was pulled out of Damascus following threats to his safety amid anti-government protests in the country.

The senior diplomat has come under strong criticism from Damascus for meeting Syrian opposition figures calling for the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

Victoria Nuland, State department spokesman, said Mr Ford had been targeted by the Syrian media.