Damascus, Jan. 14 (Reuters): Syrian Prime Minister Naji al-Otari said today he saw no hope for peace with Israel under the Right-wing government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Earlier this week, Otari described an invitation by Israeli President Moshe Katsav to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad to visit Jerusalem as a “propaganda invitation” and “media manoeuvre”.

“There is no hope under this Zionist administration for achieving just and comprehensive peace,” Otari said.

4 killed in blast

A Palestinian mother of two carried out a suicide bombing at the main border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip today, killing four Israelis and wounding seven people.

Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility for the bombing, which they said was to avenge Israel’s killing of Palestinian militants and civilians.