The United States urged on Wednesday Syria to play a constructive role in Iraq and accused Syria of continuing to support terrorist groups in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

"I don't think you're going to find many indications of Syria showing the rest of the world that they are interested in playing a constructive, positive role in trying to bring about a more peaceful, secure region," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a briefing.

"We would welcome if the Syrian government would take the opportunity to actually demonstrate that it will follow up on its words when it says it wants to play a positive role in the region," McCormack said.

McCormack also accused Syria of continuing its support for the terrorist groups in Lebanon and in the Palestinian territories.

The United States has repeatedly accused Syria of allowing terrorists to enter Iraq to fight against the US-led coalition troops. Syria has denied the charges.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2007)