SYRIA/US: Syria said yesterday it would not change its policies after the imposition of US sanctions over allegations that it supports terrorism.
"Syria takes these sanctions seriously but they will not push it to back away from its established positions," state-run radio said.
President Bush imposed economic sanctions on the country on Tuesday for backing militant factions fighting Israel and for failing to prevent guerrillas opposed to the US occupation from entering Iraq.
Syria denies giving more than political support to groups fighting Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and to Hizbullah, whose forces periodically clash with Israeli troops on the Lebanese border. Washington says these are terrorist groups.
"The United States is well aware that Syria is fighting terrorism and has co-operated with the United States in limiting the threat to America," it said.
Washington has acknowledged that Syria has given it information to help in its battle against the al-Qaeda network and similar groups, and clamped down on its activities in Syria.
"Meanwhile, the US administration refuses dialogue to define terrorism and distinguish it from legitimate struggle," the commentary added.
It said the sanctions would only hamper dialogue in the region instead of providing vision to tackle its problems.
The order, signed by Mr Bush, bans US exports to Syria other than food and medicine, severs US banking ties with the Commercial Bank of Syria.
The sanctions also tighten restrictions on arms-related and dual-use exports and prohibit Syrian aircraft from flying to or from the United States. Syria's only carrier, Syrian Arab Airlines, does not fly to the Americas.