WASHINGTON, June 25: US President George W. Bush called on Syria on Monday to choose “the right side” in the “anti-terror war” by shutting down camps for Hamas, Hezbollah and other anti-Israel organizations.

“Syria must choose the right side in the war on terror by closing terrorist camps and expelling terrorist organizations,” the US leader said.

A week ago, Washington said it had sent diplomatic messages to Iran, Lebanon and Syria urging the three countries to use their influence with Hezbollah to halt attacks against Israel.

The US move came amid reports of mounting concern that the Lebanese-based Hezbollah was building stockpiles of weapons in southern Lebanon for use in new and possibly large-scale attacks against targets in northern Israel.

US media had earlier quoted a senior Western diplomatic source as saying that there was an increased threat of military action along Israel’s border with Lebanon.

“Leaders who want to be included in the peace process must show by their deeds and undivided support for peace,” Bush said, noting that Arab states would be expected “to build closer ties of diplomacy and commerce with Israel, leading to full normalization of relations between Israel and the entire Arab world.”

He said a final accord must also include “a final peace between Israel and Lebanon and Israel and a Syria that supports peace and fights terror.” —AFP