UNITED NATIONS, April 15: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Monday expressed concern that the stepped up American criticism of Syria could further destablize the Middle East region, already in turmoil due to the US-led invasion of Iraq.

In a statement issued late Monday after Washington’s threatened sanctions against Syria on allegations that it was harbouring fleeing Iraqi leaders, developing chemical weapons and supporting terrorism, a UN spokesman said: “The secretary-general is concerned that recent statements directed at Syria should not contribute to a wider destabilization in a region already affected heavily by the war in Iraq.”

Mr Annan reiterated his “strongly held view that any claim of threats to international peace and security should be addressed in conformity with the provisions of the (UN) Charter,” the spokesman said.