Dispute between Syria and Jordan over the location of summit

Arab diplomatic sources said today in statements to ArabicNews.com that there is a dispute between Syria and Jordan over the site for convening the Arab summit and that Jordan refuses to convene the summit in Damascus.

The sources said that there is an Egyptian - Saudi mediation underway to reconcile the points of view between Jordan and Syria, confirming that Jordan fears Syrian pressures for taking strong decisions (at the Arab Summit that is under consideration) concerning Arab normalization with Israel, especially because Jordan is establishing joint economic projects with Israel on the River Jordan.

The sources stated that there is also a Libyan initiative for asking the Arab states to disregard the economic sanctions imposed on Libya and for a firm call by the the Arab states so that the U.S. will change its "anti-Arab positions."

Libya is hoping that the Arab leaders will be supportive of Libya, in light of the International Court of Justice decision agreeing to rule on the Lockerbie dispute with the United States and Britain.