In the cable Hoss told Assad, "we know you are highly educated, and we are sure you will not approve of detaining a citizen for his ideas."

Kilo, a Prominent writer and democracy campaigner was detained by Syria last Sunday, days after he signed a petition calling for radical reform of Syria's relations with Lebanon.

Walid Jumblatt, the Progressive Socialist Party leader issued a strong condemnation of Kilo's detention. Jumblatt said: "Syria continues with its suppressive policies."

On Monday also, 22 Lebanese and Syrian journalists issued a petition in which they strongly condemned Syria's detention of Kilo.

Syria has recently stepped up its arrest of human rights activists and critics. The London-based human rights watchdog Amnesty International criticized the government last month for the detentions, describing them as another "blot" on the country's poor human rights record.

Sources: Ya Libnan, VOL