BRITAIN added its voice yesterday to the growing criticism of Syria for its links to Palestinian militants responsible for Friday’s bombing in Tel Aviv.

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, accused Damascus of harbouring “rejectionist terrorist groups” such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, despite assurances that their operations had been shut down. “I hope that the Government of Syria is reassessing its strategic position now,” he said.

Tony Blair will host a 30-strong conference today to promote peace in the Middle East by strengthening the Palestinian Authority. Although 11 Arab states are attending, the Syrians were not invited and yesterday it was clear why.

Senior British officials are deeply disappointed with President Assad, who was invited to London just over two years ago in the hope that he would modernise his one-party state.But the relationship has soured and British officials suspects that Syria remains the main supporter of extremists in the occupied territories, Lebanon and Iraq.

A senior official also made it clear that Damascus is seen as the main suspect for the murder two weeks ago of Rafik Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister.

Israeli intelligence yesterday briefed European ambassadors on evidence that it said proved Syria’s involvement in last Friday’s attack on a Tel Aviv nightclub. Silvan Shalom, the Israeli Foreign Minister, said: “We see Syria as responsible by allowing those extremists to have their headquarters there.”

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