Syria regime told to suspend diplomatic activities in U.S

 The United States on Tuesday formally notified the Syrian government that it must suspend operations at its embassy here and at its two consulates in Michigan and Texas, the State Department said.

The move stops short of a formal break of relations, but it bars Syria envoys here from carrying out diplomatic and consular duties.

“Syrian diplomats at the embassy and Syrian honorary consulates are no longer permitted to perform diplomatic or consular functions and those who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents must depart the United States,” said a statement by Daniel Rubinstein, who was named on Monday as the new American envoy for Syria.

The move comes on the third anniversary of the conflict in Syria that has killed an estimated 140,000 people. Mr. Rubinstein said in his statement that the United States would maintain diplomatic relations with Syria.

Syrians crossed into northern Iraq at a border point in Dahuk Province in August. The United Nations says 2.5 million Syrians have fled into nearby countries. Three Years of Strife and Cruelty Put Syria in Free Fall March 17, 2014

“Despite the differences between our governments, the United States continues to maintain diplomatic relations with the state of Syria as an expression of our longstanding ties with the Syrian people, an interest that will endure long after Bashar al-Asad leaves power,” he said.

The American embassy in Damascus was closed in February 2012 as security in the country deteriorated.  NYtimes