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PM got Erdogan's help, softened up Bush, and sent in Turbowicz By Barak Ravid Tags: Syria, Turkey, Ehud Olmert  The indirect talks between Israel and Syria, made public Wednesday, had their beginning in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's trip to Turkey in February 2007. Forty-five minutes were allocated for Olmert's meeting in Ankara with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan; it lasted for two and a half hours. Olmert asked Erdogan to mediate between Israel and Syria, potentially paving the way for renewed peace negotiations. An enthusiastic Erdogan took up the challenge at once. A few weeks later, Olmert's chief of staff, Yoram Turbowicz, held secret talks in Turkey with Erdogan and his foreign policy adviser, Ahmet Davutoglu, and sent a preliminary message through them to Syria. The messages exchanged dealt primarily with the agenda and terms of the talks. Syria demanded public talks, mediated by America, and an advance Israeli commitment to a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights. Israel demanded direct and secret talks, and refused to commit to a withdrawal. After Israel attacked the Syrian nuclear reactor last September, the messages stopped. A meeting between Olmert and Erdogan in London last November renewed the indirect contact, and thereafter the pace picked up. More progress came two months ago, when Olmert and Syrian President Bashar Assad gave media interviews stating that talks are being held to resume peace negotiations. Advertisement Most defense officials who took part in preparatory discussions within Israel favored resuming peace talks. The Mossad had reservations, primarily about the low odds of getting Syria to break with Iran and Hezbollah. But the defense establishment's final opinion was that Israel has a strategic interest in reaching a peace agreement with Syria, in a manner that will eventually disconnect the latter from the "axis of evil." Defense officials also saw a peace deal with Syria bringing peace with Lebanon, giving Israel agreements with all the surrounding countries that have standing armies. Meanwhile, Olmert began feeling out world leaders on Israeli-Syrian talks. He stressed to them that peace talks would radically alter Iran's and Hezbollah's status and ability to undermine stability. The U.S. also needed softening up. During the latest visits to Israel by President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, Olmert tried to remove their objection to negotiations. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who urged the Syrian track from the moment he entered the government, also worked to persuade the Americans. The Americans said Israel could go ahead and try if it wants to, but that "we don't believe it stands a chance." U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was worried about damaging negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, a concern shared by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who was updated recently about the talks. Olmert told Abbas the talks would actually help the Palestinian track. Barak, who briefed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak this week on the developments, also held that "an agreement with Syria would contribute significantly to progress with the Palestinians." Related articles: Haaretz Editorial / Turn over every stone Akiva Eldar / Once again, Syria first Amos Harel / Too many question marks Bookmark to del.icio.us   Say what you want French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous. Peace in our time Olmert: Peace talks with Syria are a 'national duty'.   1.   Peace with Syria? 22:05  |  P. J. Casey 22/05/08

Read & React Poll: More Israelis against returning Golan than dividing Jerusalem Responses: 166 Olmert to Haaretz: Syria contacts are 'historic breakthrough' Responses: 71 Editorial: Spin or no spin, Olmert must continue Syria talks Responses: 52 Shmuel Rosner: Will Bush attack Iran or won't he? Responses: 55 Suicide bomber blows up truck at Gaza crossing Responses: 128 More Headlines 01:54 West backs Lebanese government's capitulation to Hezbollah 03:09 Olmert questioning Friday to focus on Messer's testimony 01:35 Israeli Arab driver critically hurt by guard at W. Bank settlement 01:50 Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected president 20:54 Sources: Israel never pledged full withdrawal from Golan 23:41 McCain rejects pastor's support after 'God sent Hitler' comment 02:19 Blast at Erez crossing thought to be part of botched abduction bid 00:59 Pelosi denies Olmert proposed U.S. naval blockade against Iran 22:57 Argentine prosecutor: Arrest Menem for obstructing Jewish center bomb probe 00:10 Hamas: No truce unless Israel lifts siege of Gaza Strip Previous Editions Select Day 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may

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