Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Jan. 18

DAMASCUS -- Syria's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the United States is unwelcome to take part in the rebuilding process in Syria, accusing Washington of creating suffering and destruction only.

In a statement responding to the recent remarks of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the ministry said Syria does not need funding from the U.S. administration, whose money is "smeared with Syrians' blood and it is not invited to take part in the reconstruction process." (Syria-U.S.)

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DAMASCUS -- Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad on Thursday warned that his country will respond militarily to possible Turkish military campaign in northern Syria, state news agency SANA reported.

Warning that Turkish military campaign will be met with "proper response," Mekdad said the Syrian air defense forces have completely recovered and are ready to destroy Turkish warplanes in Syria's airspace. (Syria-Turkey-Escalation of Tension)

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BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi parliament Thursday postponed its session for two days due to a lack of quorum after the lawmakers failed on whether to approve the date of general elections on May 12, or delay the elections to the end of the year, amid debate among political blocs.

A statement by the parliament said that 149 lawmakers out of 260 attending the session voted to hold secret ballot over whether to delay the May 12 elections or not. (Iraq-Elections)

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AMMAN -- Israel on Thursday apologized to Jordan in an official letter over an Israeli embassy shooting last year which killed two Jordanians, state-run Petra news agency reported.

In the apology letter sent by Israel's foreign ministry, the Israeli government stressed its keenness to resume cooperation with Jordan to settle the issue. (Israel-Jordan-Apology) Enditem