DAMASCUS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday ordered his armed forces "to step up their state of readiness" as Israel continued offensives in neighboring Lebanon, the official SANA news agency reported.

    Assad issued the order in a speech to the armed forces to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the foundation of the Syrian army, which falls on Tuesday, SANA said.

    The president ordered troops to "intensify their training efforts, be prepared and increase their state of readiness in the light of the international situation and challenges in the region." Enditem

Israeli warplanes bombard Lebanon-Syria border: sources

    BEIRUT, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Israel launched an air strike on a Lebanese border crossing with Syria on Monday, causing some casualties, Lebanese security sources said.

    They said that Israeli warplanes raided Lebanon's Masnaa border crossing with Syria and wounded four customs employees and a civilian.

Syria not partner in diplomatic process: Israeli PM

    JERUSALEM, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday that Syria was not a partner in the diplomatic process to end the current conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah guerillas.