Muslim countries meeting in Damascus criticized Israel on Monday but said they were open to better ties with the Jewish state if it took steps toward a “just and comprehensive” Middle East peace deal. A statement issued by the foreign ministers of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference said “any progress on ties must be linked to how much the Israeli position represents a commitment to a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the restoration of rights and occupied land.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/26/world/middleeast/26briefs-Syria.html?ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company