US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns arrived in Damascus today. He is slated to hold talks with the Syrian leaders. Burns' trip came as the White House is in the process of resending an ambassador to Damascus. President Barack Obama yesterday nominated Robert Ford as the U.S. ambassador to Syria, in a move which the White House said represents Obama's commitment to engaging with Syria and advancing U.S. interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people. Washington withdrew its last ambassador to Syria in 2005 after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.