December 13, 2001	Thursday	Ramazan 27, 1422

DAMASCUS, Dec 12: Israel must have had a hand in drawing up the US lists of countries allegedly supporting terrorism and of terrorist organisations, Syria’s official news agency SANA charged on Wednesday.

In a commentary on the eve of a Damascus visit by US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, the agency also urged the United States to give up its backing for the Jewish state if it wants regional stability.

“Israel, which should have figured at the top of the terrorist lists wherever in the world they are published, contributes to drawing up the so-called American lists,” it said.

“Israeli occupation (of Arab territories) constitutes the most violent form of terrorism,” SANA said.

“The Arabs in general, and specifically the Palestinians, are leading victims of Israeli terrorism,” it said.—AFP