Updated on
Summary
The US has formally warned Syria over its provocative behaviour after allegations that it supplied Hizbollah with Scud missiles. The State Department summoned Syria's chief diplomat in Washington to caution him that such a transfer would jeopardise the restoration of normal relations with the United States. Zouheir Jabbour was told that Syria had little hope of removing its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it stopped supplying Hizbollah, which is also backed by Iran, with arms. If Hizbollah were armed with Scud missiles it would mean it could target Israel's cities from Lebanon, and the allegations have prompted concerns that it could lead to war between Lebanon and Israel. In a strongly worded statement issued after the meeting, the State Department said it condemned the delivery of any arms to Hizbollah, including Scud missiles, in the strongest terms.The transfer of these arms can only have a destabilising effect on the region, and would pose an immediate threat to both the security of Israel and the sovereignty of Lebanon, it added.
