Syrian Vice President Farouk Shara downplayed prospects of peace with Israel on Thursday, saying crucial American support was lacking.

In the first official Syrian comments on the matter, Shara said in Damascus: "We are not optimistic. The American president does not want peace between Israel and Syria."

Syria has demanded that the United States resume its sponsorship of the peace process between the two countries and that a Washington envoy participate in official contacts. The Syrians would like to relieve their international isolation. On the other hand, they have emphasized that they do not view the U.S. as a "mediator with Israel."

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But the U.S. has shown no signs of changing its approach to Syria or seeking to ease the country's isolation. U.S. President George Bush said in a meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this week that he is not interested in mediating between Damascus and Jerusalem and that Israel can conduct talks with Syria itself.

Shara said Syria takes Israeli preparations for war between the two nations very seriously. He said Syria prefers peace, but is not interested in clandestine talks. Shara said Israel, like the U.S., is not interested in working toward peace. "Ehud Olmert is not serious about peace," he said. "Israel will make peace with us if we compromise on the return of all our occupied land. We won't do that."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said earlier Thursday, however, that Syria is "more than ready" to renew peace talks with Israel.