Nov. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said U.S. President Barack Obama must outline an “action plan” for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Le Figaro reported, citing an interview with the Syrian leader.

The U.S. is the “weak” link in the mediation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, al-Assad said, according to the French newspaper. Obama must take the initiative rather than wait for others to act, the Syrian said, Le Figaro reported.

Relations between Syria and the U.S. have improved, al- Assad told the newspaper.

To contact the reporter on this story: Francois de Beaupuy in Paris at fdebeaupuy@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 13, 2009 02:18 EST