Syrian Vice President Farouk a-Shara said Saturday night that it was almost guaranteed that Syria would retaliate for Israel's alleged violation of the country's air space last Thursday - but that he could not specify yet what form that retaliation would take.

Speaking in an interview with the Italian newspaper Le Repubblica, a-Shara said of Syria's response, "I cannot reveal the details, as this is an issue of national security. All I can say is that the military and political echelon is looking into a series of responses as we speak. Results are forthcoming." A-Shara was visiting Italy for meetings with Prime Minister Romano Prodi and other officials.