DAMASCUS, Feb 8 (AFP) - Syria lashed out at US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Tuesday over her threat to isolate Damascus over its alleged support for Islamic militants, saying it was designed to serve Israel.
"Accusing Syria of terrorism is not new, and although the United States knows Syria is cooperating on this, it nevertheless continues to demand more," Radio Damascus said in a commentary.
US demands, voiced by Rice or anyone else, "have the sole aim to please Israel, which thinks that (Lebanese-Syrian) unity threatens its security".
"By calling resistance movements terrorist (organisations), the administration of President George W. Bush violates a legitimate right of the UN charter," the radio added.
During a visit to Rome, Rice warned Damascus that if it wants to avoid being "isolated" it must end support for Islamic militants she said were intent on wrecking the Middle East peace process.
"Syria has been unhelpful in a number of ways" including support for militants operating out of south Lebanon, she said.
Washington imposed economic sanctions against Syria in 2003, accusing it of bankrolling terrorism and trying to develop weapons of mass destruction.
On Thursday, Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah called for dialogue with Washington, rejecting the mounting US pressure as "futile".
02/08/2005 15:21 GMT - AFP