BEIRUT, Feb 6: EU member states have stepped up their pressure on Syria to show it is fighting the spread of weapons of mass destruction since Libya said it would scrap its banned weapons programmes, diplomats say.

The 15-nation bloc had been expected to initial an economic and political cooperation pact with Syria by the end of 2003, but diplomats say it is being held up because some governments want Damascus to show a greater commitment against WMD.

Syria has repeatedly denied accusations by the United States that it is developing chemical weapons. Libya's decision to halt its banned arms programmes and Iran's move to allow snap U.N. nuclear inspections has increased Syrian isolation over the issue. Some European Union member states are now pushing for a tougher text on WMD before signing the Association Agreement.

"The member states have to take a decision in the context of the wider political situation because of what happened in Libya and Iran and the American position," a European diplomat said.

"The question is should we weaken the Western front on Syria by allowing the EU to sign this agreement with the Syrians?" Syria is hoping to counter-balance mounting US pressure by accelerating the signing of the economic pact. -Reuters