WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United State urged Syria on Tuesday to play a positive role in the Middle East peace process rather than providing a shelter and housing to Palestinian rejectionist groups.

    "It would be welcome news if the Syrian government decided to play a positive role in the future of the region," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told a news briefing.

    Instead, McCormack said, "they (Syrians) continue with the practices like providing a shelter and housing to Palestinian rejectionist groups. The leader of Hamas is headquartered in Damascus, as are the headquarters of other Palestinian rejectionist groups."

    "These are not the actions of a country that wants to play a positive role in the region, the rhetoric notwithstanding."

    The spokesman made the remarks after Syria said that it is ready for dialogue with the United States to achieve security and stability in the region.

    U.S.-Syrian relations have been tense for many years with the two countries split on many issues, including Syria's role in Lebanon, the Middle East conflict and Iraq, and its support of militant groups in the region.