As regards peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, Bush said the role of Washington will be the role of the mediator so as to facilitate the negotiations process between the two parties and not to impose any solution on them. On inviting Syria to attend the conference, Bush said so many Arab countries had conditioned the attendance of Syria to the conference.'As it was an important matter for Washington the attendance of the Arab countries, invitation was extended to Syria', he said noting that differences still exist between Syria and the US. Bush reiterated that Washington will defend its ally, Israel, if it is attacked by Iran.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/504365