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IAF fighters over Syria (illustrative)
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| By Israel Insider staff September 6, 2007 |
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Iranian Ambassador to Damascus Mohammad Hassan Akhtari joined his Syrian hosts on Thursday in condemning the alleged violation of the Syrian airspace by Israeli aircraft in the wee hours of the morning, reportedly near the Turkish-Syrian border.
Iranian government media reported that Akhtari telephoned senior Syrian officials and called the incident as an "intolerable attempt to create tension in the region" and claimed that "Israel would be responsible for any escalation in the region and it must act reasonably and not cause another war."
Syria claims IAF aircraft broke the sound barrier and supposedly "dropped ammunition" over open areas. The Syrian military said its air defenses 'confronted' the aircraft but failed to down or damage the alleged intruders. The IDF and Israeli officials declined all comment.
The Iranian news agency IRNA reported that Akhtari turned to Syrian security sources and told them that "Iran would be ready to offer any assistance needed under the existing circumstances." He called on the world's countries to demand explanations from Israel for its actions.
Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shara said Thursday that "this military act of provocation by Israel proves that Israel, contrary to its claims, is not working for the creation of an atmosphere that will pave the road to peace, but is working to create tension in the region."
The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its hope that Israel would refrain from entering Syria's airspace again, to avoid upsetting the regional security situation.
Jordan's King Abdullah II, who met in Amman with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs David Welch, did not refer to the Syrian incident, nor did Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, who gave a lengthy speech Thursday evening.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Olmert said in response to a question on the issue from Haaretz, hours after his office and the IDF refused to respond to Damascus' claims.
The prime minister was speaking at a party of his Kadima party to mark the Jewish New Year holiday next week.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Vice Premier Haim Ramon issued similar denials. "I don't know what happened there," Ramon said.
The IDF said it would not comment on the Syrian reports. "It is not our custom to respond to these kinds of reports," the IDF Spokesman's Office said in a statement.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora also ignored the incident on Thursday, and urged Syria to escalate its attempts to prevent arms smuggling into his country. |
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