American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she might invite Syria to the Annapolis, Maryland conference in the Middle East but added that no invitations have been sent to anyone and no timetable has been set. "We understand that ultimately there has to be a comprehensive agreement and there has to be progress on the other tracks as well" besides the Palestinian Authority (PA)-Israel issue, she told ABC television.

Syria has reiterated it will not join the planned conference unless the status of the Golan Heights is on the negotiating table.

Secretary Rice is trying to convince the Arab world that the meeting will be to their benefit and promised Jordan's King Abdullah II Monday that "the United States is also committed to enhancing security and stability in the Middle East." She also is trying to convince Saudi Arabia to participate, but the kingdom has expressed serious doubts about the Annapolis meeting.