Syria says war more likely after raid on Gaza flotilla

Damascus, 17 June-(ANA)-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla has increased the chances of war in the Middle East.

In an interview with the BBC, President Assad said Syria was working to prevent a regional war.

But he added that there was no chance of a peace deal with the current Israeli administration, which he called a "pyromaniac government".

Mr Assad also rejected claims he was arming Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

He said last month's Israeli commando assault on the Free Gaza flotilla in international waters was having serious consequences.

The attack on ships attempting to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip killed nine Turkish activists.

Israel has set up an inquiry into the raid after rejecting a United Nations proposal for an international investigation. (ANA)

FA/ANA/17 June 2010-----------