Jordan says it won't be launching pad for attacks on Syria, urges diplomacy to solve crisis

Syrian veiled women hold signs in a protest in front of the Syrian embassy in Amman, Jordan on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013 to condemn the alleged poison gas attack on the suburbs of Damascus. (AP / Mohammad Hannon)

AMMAN, Jordan - Jordan's government spokesman says the pro-U.S. kingdom will not be a launching pad for attacks on Syria.

Mohammad Momani, who is also information minister, says Jordan prefers a "diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis."

His remarks to The Associated Press Wednesday come in the wake of an anticipated U.S. military strike in retaliation for Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons.

The attack would likely involve sea-launched cruise missile attacks on Syrian military targets.

Jordan has been trying hard to avoid friction with its larger neighbour for fear that President Bashar Assad's regime or his Iranian backers could retaliate.