By ASSOCIATED PRESSbashar assad 311(photo credit: AP)
Syria has criticized the US renewal of sanctions against Damascus, describing them as a disappointment.Government-owned Al-Thawra newspaper warned on Wednesday that Washington's move keeps the region in a state of hostility.The White House said Damascus continues to support terrorists and pursues weapons of mass destruction.RELATED:US extends Syria sanctions by a yearSyrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal Mekdad slammed the sanctions and said they show Washington "has lost its credibility."The newspaper — considered a government mouthpiece — says the move is "disappointing, but we were not surprised."US-Syrian ties were improving, but tensions reemerged after Israel accused Syria of sending weapons to Lebanese Hezbollah militants. Syria denies the allegations.