Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (20 Jun 2009 file photo)Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is praising U.S. President BarackObama and says he would like to "welcome" the U.S. leader to Syria.

Syria'sstate-run news agency, SANA, says the Syrian leader sent acongratulatory telegram to President Obama to mark the July 4Independence Day holiday. The telegram complimented Mr. Obama on thevalues he has adopted, saying they are the values that the world needstoday.

Mr. Assad also extended an informal invitation to theU.S. president during an interview with Sky News, broadcast lateThursday. The Syrian leader said the U.S. "has a special role as thegreatest power," but that the timing of a meeting depends on PresidentObama.

The Syrian leader also said that while he and Mr. Obama may not agree on everything, he said "this is how we can close the gap."

Washingtonhas long accused Damascus of supporting groups like Hamas that the U.S.considers terrorist organizations. It also has voiced concern aboutSyria's human rights record and its role in neighboring Lebanon. Butrecent developments suggest the relationship between the U.S. and Syriamay be thawing.

The U.S. announced last week that it plans toreinstate its ambassador to Syria after a four-year absence. A WhiteHouse spokesman said the move reflects the administration's hope of therole that the Syrian government can play constructively, to promotepeace and stability in the region.

Last month, U.S. envoy George Mitchell met with President Assad in Damascus for discussions on Middle East peace efforts.  

Mitchelldescribed the talks as serious and productive, and said Syria has anintegral role to play in U.S. efforts to secure a comprehensive peacein the Middle East.