BICOM

Foreign Secretary William Hague yesterday accused Iran and Hezbollah of “propping up” President Assad’s regime in Syria.

Hague was speaking at a Friends of Syria conference in Jordan, at which representatives of eleven countries discussed plans for an international summit to find a peaceful resolution to Syria’s bloody conflict. Hague commented, “It is very clear that Syrian regime is receiving a great deal of support … from outside Syria from Hezbollah and Iran,” adding “The regime is being propped up by others outside, further undermining its legitimacy.” Over the past few days, Hezbollah forces have provided extensive ground support for Assad’s offensive in Qusair. Hague also warned that developments in Syria are “increasing the threat to regional stability.” Earlier this month, an air strike, widely attributed to Israel, struck military targets near Damascus where advanced Iranian weaponry was being stored prior to delivery to Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, France and Germany are reported to have given their support to a UK request for the European Union to place the military wing of Hezbollah on its’ list of terrorist organisations. The Telegraph reports that French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius yesterday said, “We have decided to ask that the military branch of the Hezbollah would be considered as a terrorist organisation.” Fabius cited Hezbollah’s military support for Assad as one reason behind the decision.

Hague’s comments yesterday came on the eve of his first visit to Israel since 2010. During the two-day visit, Hague is expected to make a strong appeal to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to respond positively to US diplomatic efforts to kick-start direct talks between the two sides, especially with US Secretary of State John Kerry also visiting the region. Hague is also likely to address areas of common strategic concern between Britain and Israel, particularly the increasing instability in Syria.

Hague is also likely to address areas of common strategic concerns between Britain and Israel, particularly the increasing instability in Syria and the Iranian nuclear programme, and to promote bilateral cooperation in science and technology.