U.S. warns Iran''s support of Syria endangering region

WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Iran's support of Syria's Bashar Al-Assad regime endangers Syria and the region as a whole, the U.S. State Department warned Wednesday. "The Iranian government's position has showed its complete disregard for the lives nad well-being of the Syrian people, the State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters. "They are continuing to pursue this bankrupt policy that is endangering not only the Syrian people but the region as a whole." Iran and Syria have agreed to a one billion credit facility between the Commercial Bank of Syria and Export Development Bank of Iran. The Obama administration accuses Iran of providing Syria with arms and military advisers. Meanwhile, the Obama administration condemned the Syrian regime's deadly attack on the University of Aleppo, which killed 80 people and injured as many as 150. "We condemn this despicable attack on unarmed civilians and continue to emphasize that those responsible for unlawful killings and other violations of international law will be identified and held accountable," Nuland said, offering sympathies to those affected by the violence. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed the latest developments in the country with Syrian Opposition Coalition Chairman Moaz Al-Khatib this week. She conveyed continuing U.S. support for the Syrian opposition to stand up an assistance coordination unit, and extended a formal invitation for the SOC leader to meet in Washington. (end) hy.mt KUNA 162350 Jan 13NNNN