Syria slams Israel over Scud delivery claims

Syria strongly rejected on Thursday accusations by Israel that it had delivered Scud missiles to Hizbullah. "For some time now, Israel has been running a campaign claiming that Syria has been supplying Hizbullah with Scud missiles in Lebanon," a foreign ministry statement said.

"Syria strongly denies these allegations which are an attempt by Israel to raise tensions in the region," the statement added.

"Israel is seeking to create a climate that will pave the way for an eventual Israeli attack to avoid responding to the demands of a just and comprehensive peace."

The Syrian embassy in Washington has also denied the allegations and accused Israel of trying to divert attention from questions about the Jewish state's nuclear program.