Clinton warns Syria of provocative acts

WASHINGTON, April 30 (UPI) -- Syria's reported policy of supplying weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon is pushing the Middle East on a path to war, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

"We have spoken out forcefully about the grave dangers of Syria's transfer of weapons to Hezbollah," Clinton said during remarks Thursday at the American Jewish Committee in Washington. "Transferring weapons to these terrorists, especially longer-range missiles, would pose a serious threat to the security of Israel. It would have a destabilizing effect on the region."

Clinton was discussing Israeli assertions that Syria recently transferred Scud missiles to the Hezbollah, which is on the U.S. list of terrorists. While the United States has expressed concerns about Hezbollah's build-up in strength, Washington officials haven't confirmed Israel's accusation.

"We do not accept such provocative and destabilizing behavior -- nor should the international community," Clinton said. "President (Bashar al-Assad) is making decisions that could mean war or peace for the region."

The United States would not re-engage diplomatically with Syria "as a reward or a concession," Clinton said. "Engagement is a tool that can give us added leverage and insight, and a greater ability to convey strong and unmistakably clear messages aimed at Syria's leadership."

Regional peace must begin by all parties acknowledging the United States will stand behind Israel's security, Clinton said.

"Israel's right to exist, and to defend itself, is not negotiable. And no lasting peace will be possible unless that fact is accepted," she said. "But similarly, Palestinians must have a state of their own. They must be able to travel, conduct business, govern themselves and enjoy the dignity of a sovereign people. There can be no equivocating on this either."