Syria has called for a Hariri-like UN investigation into the death of Yasser Arafat. Bashar accused Israel of assasinating him, in a speech on Saturday.

There were persistent allegations of sabotage - most likely through poisoning - a year ago. And his cause of death was never clear.

Meanwhile, Israel says the Tel Aviv bombing was planned in Syria. Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz labelled the meeting between Iran's President Ahmedinijad, and Bashar as a 'terror summit'.

Despite the frosty atmosphere, Bashar repeated his call for peace talks with Israel.