Hizbollah weapons row continued: Israeli PM Netanyahu 29 May claimed Hizbollah operating Scud missiles from within Syria. Israeli intelligence chief Yossi Baidatz 4 May alleged organised and official Syrian weapons transfers to Hizbollah. French FM Kouchner 2 May, U.S. Asst Sec State Feltman 20 May called for Syria to increase efforts to prevent arms shipments to Hizbollah. FM Muallim 23 May said Syria will not be “policeman” for Israel. President Assad 22 May met with U.S. Sen. Kerry, 23 May with Kouchner. U.S. President Obama 3 May said Syria posed “extraordinary threat” to U.S., extended for 1 year U.S. sanctions, 1st imposed in 2004, restricting U.S. exports to country, access to U.S. financial system for some Syrians. During visit to Syria, Russian President Medvedev 11 May indicated willingness to support construction of Syrian nuclear power plant. Visit followed by signing of Russia, Syria weapons deal 14 May.

Israeli President Peres 13 Apr charged Syria with supplying Scud missiles to Hizbollah in Lebanon; Syrian foreign ministry said claim fabricated, pretext for Israeli aggression. U.S. summoned senior Syrian diplomat 19 Apr to condemn provocation; Defense Sec Gates 27 Apr, Sec State Clinton 30 Apr warned that Syria’s arming of Hizbollah destabilising region. Officials including Sec State Clinton 22 Apr defended engagement with Syria, appointment of U.S. ambassador in face of increased domestic criticism. IAEA inspectors 6 Apr visited Damascus nuclear research reactor, but were denied access to contentious military sites. Syria held joint military exercises with Turkey 27-29 Apr.

Turkish PM Erdogan 9 March said Syria willing to resume Turkish-mediated indirect talks with Israel, “positive signals” coming from Israel. EU foreign policy chief Ashton met President Assad, FM Muallim during 15-16 March Damascus visit; reportedly discussed resumption of stalled negotiations on EU association agreement. Security forces 21 March clashed with Kurds celebrating New Year in Raqqa, killing at least 1.

U.S. formally nominated career diplomat Robert Ford as ambassador to Syria 16 Feb; position vacant since 2005 after Syria accused of assassinating former Lebanese PM Hariri. U.S. envoy Burns and senior U.S. counter-terrorism official 17 Feb held “candid” talks with President Assad. Syria, Iran signed bilateral visa-free travel deal during 25 Feb Damascus visit of Iranian President Ahmadinejad. After Israeli Defence Minister Barak 1 Feb suggested all-out regional war possible, FM Muallim 3 Feb threatened response against Israeli cities; Israeli FM Lieberman also threatened retaliation against Syrian regime with war, but spokesman for PM Netanyahu 7 Feb reaffirmed peace talks are Israeli priority. Muallim 20 Feb rejected IAEA call in 18 Feb report for greater access for agency’s inspectors.

President Assad visited Saudi Arabia 13-15 Jan for discussion of regional issues; earlier met with Iranian FM in Damascus, 11 Jan. U.S. Mideast envoy Mitchell also met Assad 20 Jan, said Syria had “significant role” for peace in region.

19-20 Dec Damascus visit by Lebanese PM Saad Hariri marked shift in Syrian-Lebanese relations (see Lebanon); Hariri called for ties between countries to be renewed after meeting President Assad. Iranian Defence Minister Vahidi attended first meeting of Iran-Syria joint defence commission in Damascus 9 Dec. Foreign ministry 10 Dec warned that Israeli bill making referendum necessary for conceding Golan, supported by Netanyahu govt, would damage chances for peace. 4 Kurdish activists detained 26 Dec after demanding autonomy for Syrian Kurds.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said he was prepared for direct peace talks with Syria in 11 Nov meeting with French President Sarkozy. During 13 Nov visit to Paris, President Assad rejected offer as “word play”, called on Israel to return to indirect Turkish-mediated talks. IAEA 17 Nov announced new inspection of Damascus research reactor, citing Syrian explanations for previous uranium traces as unsatisfactory; IAEA head 26 Nov said Syria not fully cooperating with investigation. Human Rights Watch report 25 Nov criticised detention of Kurdish activists, disruption of Kurdish political, cultural gatherings by security services.

Syrian, Iraqi FMs 17 Sept met for Turkish-mediated talks to defuse diplomatic tension after Iraq accused Damascus of sheltering perpetrators of 19 Aug Baghdad bombing; no tangible progress made (see Iraq). Deputy PM Mekdad visited U.S. for talks on Iraq, sanctions 27 Sept. In sign of improved relations, President Assad paid surprise visit to Saudi Arabia 23 Sept. Syria, Turkey signed accord 16 Sept to end visa requirements, strengthen economic cooperation. Syria 17 Sept appealed for UN inquiry into Mehlis report, which implicated Syria in 2005 assassination of Lebanese PM Hariri.

Iraq and Syria 25 Aug recalled ambassadors after Baghdad demanded handover of 2 senior Baathists implicated in 19 Aug Baghdad truck bombing (see Iraq); Iraq PM Maliki previously visited Damascus 18 Aug for security talks. Turkish FM in Baghdad visit 31 Aug in attempt to defuse tensions. Syria reportedly mediated in release of French researcher and embassy employee held in Iran on charges of espionage. 2nd U.S. military delegation in Damascus 12 Aug discussed Syrian efforts to curb movement of foreign fighters into Iraq. EU foreign policy chief Solana arrived in Damascus 30 Aug as part of Mideast tour. Israel deputy FM 12 Aug said continued talks will not be through Turkish mediation, wants direct talks with Syria; Damascus insisted mediator necessary.