Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., May 21, 2008 Iyyar 16, 5768 | | Israel Time: 14:02 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Syrian President Bashar Assad. (AP) Last update - 21:03 17/05/2008 Report: U.S. asks Turkey to push harder for Israel-Syria talks By Haaretz Service Tags: Turkey, Israel, Syria  The U.S. government has asked Turkey to increase efforts to advance negotiations between Israel and Syria, according to a report published by the London Arabic daily Al-Hayat on Saturday. According to the report, the U.S. request comes in light of the recent political crisis in Lebanon, and U.S. assessments that peace between Israel and Syria will help distance the country from Hezbollah. The report quoted a source as saying that Washington has hinted to Israel more than once the importance of progress in talks with Syria. The source added that the U.S. said they are ready to participate in talks between the countries if Turkey is able to achieve a breakthrough between them. Advertisement Last week, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he was prepared to bring about a peace agreement between Israel and Syria during his term in office, according to a report in the magazine Paris Match. Olmert told the French weekly that his top priority was reaching peace with Syria and the Palestinians, adding that no other matter was as important or urgent for the future of Israel. Also last week, the pan-Arab London-based daily newspaper Al Hayat reported that Turkish officials are moving to convene a three-way meeting between Israeli and Syrian representatives. The meeting would likely take place in Istabul, as Turkey continues its efforts to jump-start peace negotiations between the two countries. Ankara would like both sides to commit to a signed declaration as a starting point for talks. According to the report, Turkey decided to postpone the proposed sit-down after the Syrians revealed Jerusalem's stated willingness to withdraw from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. The newspaper added that the Syrian leadership was assuaged by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's refusal to deny or backtrack from the claims when word reached the news media in Israel. Israel Radio also cited a report in the Egyptian daily Al Ahram stating that Israel has received messages from Damascus regarding the continuation of contacts between them in the near future. The newspaper quoted a Syrian official as stating that the probability of direct Israeli-Syrian negotiations taking place while President Bush remains in office remains slim, according to Israel Radio. The United States would support a Turkish-brokered Syrian-Israeli peace drive but wants to see Damascus change its policy on Lebanon, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in remarks published on Sunday. "We do not wish to stand in the way of any attempt to achieve peace between Israel and its neighbors including Syria," Rice told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper in remarks translated into Arabic. "If the two sides wished to exert an effort for peace the United States would give its blessing and back these efforts. The problem is that Syria is yet to show a desire for Middle East peace especially vis-a-vis Lebanon," she added. Related articles: Alon Liel / Please, Mr. President Olmert said ready to bring about peace agreement with Syria Moshe Arens / Peace at any price Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fear of extinction The state of over 20 species of birds in Israel has worsened considerably. Taking advantage Jerusalem police probe possible gang rape of disabled woman.   1.   Take your time 20:13  |  Realistic Arab 17/05/08   2.   What`s the problem? 22:56  |  Natallie Durson 17/05/08   3.   Olmert told the French weekly that his top priority was reaching 23:23  |  Joseph . E 17/05/08   4.   Achitophel advice 23:44  |  observer 17/05/08   5.   #3 So what, exactly, is your problem with Olmert`s statement? 04:16  |  Johnboy 18/05/08   6.   You think Assad will give up his allies? 05:16  |  Just Facts 18/05/08   7.   Let Peace Reign! 13:56  |  Ibrahim 21/05/08

Read & React Al Gore: Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Responses: 97 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran Responses: 94 Israel, Syria to begin indirect peace talks Responses: 29 Akiva Eldar: If Israel wants peace, it must bolster Fatah Responses: 25 Opinion: The demise of the European left Responses: 25 Rosner's Domain 5 questions: Does Israel need rescue? Hyping the threat from Iran (WTR) Poll: Meeting the president of Iran - good or bad? Guests: In regard to Hezbollah, Israeli deterrence works "Controlled Unclassified Information" and the AIPAC trial (WTR) More Headlines 14:01 Israel and Syria to launch indirect talks 13:56 Israeli official: Syria track won't come at expense of talks with PA 12:24 Israeli, Syrian representatives reach secret understandings 11:43 Olmert: I hope Abbas does not quit before peace talks progress 11:51 Warring Lebanese leaders seal deal to end 18-month crisis 11:39 Day of reckoning for Grant 13:15 Iran detains seven Baha'i leaders, citing 'Zionist' ties 09:09 Egypt still trying to commit smaller factions to cease-fire 12:17 IDF soldier lightly hurt when hit by Palestinian driver 10:33 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran 11:50 Hungarian-born Australian denies Holocaust war crimes 12:53 Saudi company to invest $250 million in West Bank construction 08:10 Police to question Olmert in Talansky bribe case Friday 07:53 Al Gore says Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Previous Editions Select Day 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may 07 may

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