Flanked by their ministers for foreign affairs, economics and energy as well as military representatives, the presidents discussed terrorism, the conflict in Iraq and the Middle East peace process, in which Assad said Russia "bears a great responsibility" as a sponsor. "Were it not for your position the situation (in the Middle East) would have been entirely different," he stressed. Israel has been closely watching Russia's relations with Syria in recent weeks after evidence allegedly surfaced of preparations to supply advanced missile systems. The Russian weapons reportedly included Iskander-E surface-to-surface missiles capable of striking any Israeli target from Syria. However, the Russian government says none of the missiles will be sold to Damascus. --SP 2341 Local Time 2041 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/234837