U.S. aims to invite Syria to peace meeting

By Arshad Mohammed

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States signalled on Sunday it would invite Syria and other Arab states to a Middle East peace conference but suggested they must renounce violence and genuinely seek an end to the conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she viewed members of an Arab League panel -- comprised of the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt -- as "natural invitees" to the U.S.-hosted conference.

Only the last two have full relations with Israel, while Syria is deeply estranged from the Jewish state and is accused of providing arms and money to Palestinian groups that oppose peace with Israel.

Speaking after a meeting of the Quartet of Middle East peace mediators, which urged Israel to keep power and fuel flowing to the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, Rice suggested that attending the U.S. conference, expected to be held in the Washington area in November, came with some strings.

"Coming to this meeting also brings with it certain responsibilities," Rice told reporters at a news conference after the meeting of the United States, the United Nations, Russia and the European Union.

"We hope that those who come are really committed to helping the Israelis and the Palestinians find a way through. And that means renouncing violence, it means working for a peaceful solution," she added.

The United States wants other Arab states to take part in the conference as a way to build support for a broader peace between Israel and its neighbours.

ATTENDANCE UNCERTAIN