Syria has expressed unease about the growing rapprochement between Jordan and Israel, which it says undermines a co-ordinated Arab peace strategy. Jordan reached an agreement with Israel on 7 June to increase economic and cultural ties once a full peace had been reached.

A high-level Syrian delegation, led by Prime Minister Mahmoud Zuabi, cancelled a trip to Jordan on 11 June, apparently in protest at the agreement. Syrian newspapers have also attacked the independent line reflected in Jordan's agreement with Israel. The official daily Tishreen said on 14 June: 'A separate peace means relinquishing international legality and all UN resolutions as well as all the principles which form the basis of the present peace track.'

Syria's President Asad met Lebanon's President Hrawi on 14 June to discuss regional developments and the Middle East peace process. Syrian presidential spokesman Joubran Kourieh said the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a co-ordinated Arab stance at the peace talks.

Syria is also concerned by a number of reports of high-level meetings between Jordanian and Israeli officials in late May which paved the way for the deal with Israel. On 20 May, Jordan's King Hussain met Asad to co-ordinate their efforts in the peace process.

Syria's commitment to keeping its military options open was reflected in the signing of a military co-operation deal with Russia on 9 June, analysts say. The deal will open the way for new Russian military supplies.