Israeli officials: Syrian president not present for Israeli prime minister's summit speech

Israeli government officials say Syria's president was not present for the Israeli prime minister's speech at a Mediterranean summit in Paris.

Two Israeli officials say Syrian President Bashar Assad was not at the enormous table when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivered his address to leaders of some 40 nations. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Syrian officials were not available for comment.

French presidential aide Henri Guaino says he did not notice whether Assad was there amid the comings and goings of the many summit delegates on Sunday.

Israel and Syria recently resumed peace talks mediated by Turkey but Syria's president suggested direct talks would not happen soon.