Syria lodges protests with UN over US raid

Dubai Syria yesterday protested to the UN Security Council over a deadly US helicopter raid on a village near the Iraqi border, in a letter to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the state news agency Sana said.

"Syria draws attention to this aggressive act and expects the UN Security Council and member countries to assume their responsibility by preventing a repetition of this dangerous violation," the letter read. It called for the Security Council "to hold the aggressor responsible for the deaths of the innocent Syrian nationals."

The attack was condemned by the UAE on Tuesday as a violation of the international legitimacy and the national sovereignty of Syria.

"The UAE stresses its deep concern over the repercussions of the attack on regional stability," according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry and carried by WAM yesterday.

The ministry commended the Syrian leadership for its wise reaction and the high degree of self-restraint it showed.

It also called on the US to resolve its disputes with Syria through diplomatic means.

Damascus decided on Tuesday to shut down an American school and the US cultural centre.