Britain sees 'constructive role' for Syria

Britain's foreign secretary says Syria can play "a constructive role" in the stalled Middle East peacemaking process.

David Miliband also warns that rocket attacks by the militant Palestinian Hamas group on Israel will hurt Syria's role in the region and diminish chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Miliband spoke to reporters in Damascus today after holding talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad and Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.

Miliband is the first senior British official to visit Syria since former Prime Minister Tony Blair's visit in 2001.

Syria is a major player in the Palestinian conflict as it hosts the exiled leaders of radical Palestinian groups, like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.