Israeli Attack On Aid Flotilla Increases War Risk: Syrian President

DAMASCUS, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla is more likely to increase the war risks in the Middle East, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with BBC posted on its website Thursday.

There is no chance of a peace deal with the current Israeli administration, al-Assad said, indicating that the Israeli assault destroyed any chances for peace in the near future, with what he called "pyromaniac government", according to the BBC website, reported China's Xinhua news agency.

"The Middle East is witnessing a changing point and was working to avoid the risk of a regional war," he added.

During the days following the Israeli aggression, several Syrian cities witnessed mass protest demonstrations denouncing the Israeli forces action which caused the death of nine activists in the international water.

Israel has refused UN proposal of an international probe into its deadly raid.

On the day of the incident, the Syrian top leader called on the United States to push Israel to halt its brutal aggressions, lift the siege on Gaza Strip and move forward with the peace process as the only solution to restoring regional stability.

Israeli military navy attacked early morning on May 31 the international aid convoy flotilla in the international waters with live ammunition and gas bombs, causing nine activists on board killed and dozens injured in the action which evoked vast international official and popular condemnation.

The victims were pro-Palestinian eight Turkish activists and one American of Turkish origin who were attempting to deliver aid of supplies to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

In the interview, al-Assad also denied sending weapons to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, an accusation by Israel.

-- BERNAMA17 Jun, 2010 19:17 PM