Syrian FM says ready to join Hizbollah ranks

BEIRUT, Aug 6 (Reuters) Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem said today he was willing to join Hizbollah and reiterated that Syria would retaliate if attacked by Israel.

''If you wish, I'm ready to be a soldier at the disposal of (Hizbollah chief) Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah,'' Mouallem told reporters upon arrival in Lebanon in a symbolic gesture.

Asked about concerns that the war in Lebanon could spill over into a regional war, Mouallem said: ''Most welcome''.

''Syria is readying itself and doesn't hide its (military) readiness. We will respond to any Israeli aggression immediately,'' he added.

Syria, along with Iran, is a key backer of Hizbollah. A 26-day-old Israeli offensive to cripple Hizbollah on Lebanon has pushed up the militant group's popularity among Arabs and cemented a hero cult around the charismatic Nasrallah.

''Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the Lebanese national resistance today is defending the dignity of the Arab nation and the unity of the nation like it is defending the dignity of Lebanon, the unity of Lebanon and the Lebanese people,'' Mouallem said.

The veteran diplomat, who will attend an Arab foreign ministers meeting in Beirut tomorrow, dismissed claims that Hizbollah was fighting a proxy war for Iran and Syria.

''This talk is silly. Hizbollah is fighting the battle of Lebanon.'' REUTERS SRS RAI1905