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Last update - 21:20 03/07/2008
Olmert: Direct Israel-Syria peace talks needed 'very soon'
By Reuters
Tags: peace talks, Ehud Olmert 

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Thursday peace talks between Israel and Syria, now mediated by Turkey, would have to be conducted face-to-face "very soon."

"With the Syrians, we are talking seriously and in my estimation very soon the negotiations will have to be direct. They will not be able to continue in the mode in which they are currently being held," Olmert told an economic conference in the southern resort city of Eilat.

Olmert made his comments as a third round of indirect talks between Israel and Syria came to a close in Turkey on Thursday.
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A Turkish government source told Reuters that Israel and Syria have agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect talks in late July. During that meeting, the sides will decide whether to move to direct talks starting in August, the source said.

"The problems are less complex than they appear," Olmert said without elaborating. He said a peace deal with Syria would have wide-ranging implications for Israel and the region.

"I think the strategic significance of such a move cannot be ignored," Olmert said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Richard Jones said Thursday that Washington would not intervene over Israel's renewed negotiations with Syria, calling it a private Israeli matter.

Speaking at a ceremony in his honor at the home of Deputy Defense Minister Majele Wahabe, Jones said the U.S. has not presented a stance on the indirect peace talks.

He said that the U.S., like many Israeli officials, were wary of establishing contacts with Damascus, but would not opposed the renewed negotiations.

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      1.   Wrong. "Olmert" needs them `very soon.` 21:26  |  bat yam 03/07/08
      2.   MERT THE ONLY THING NEEDED VERY SOON IS YOU OUT OF OFFICE;ASAP! 21:34  |  glenna 03/07/08
      3.   do it! 21:47  |  bashar 03/07/08
      4.   Any agreement must include full recognition of Israel 22:19  |  Adam 03/07/08
      5.   Syrian Talks Are Needed Because...... 22:45  |  Proud Israeli 03/07/08
      6.   Does anyone listen to Olmert anymore? 23:16  |  redmike 03/07/08
      7.   I hope Israel gets more than just a "cold peace" with Syria 23:21  |  David G 03/07/08
      8.   1- every one A lot of good will comes from peace then this situa 23:21  |  Simon Mohammed 03/07/08
      9.   WHAT`S NEEDED VERY SOONER IS MERT OUT OF OFFICE!HOW MANY CRIMES 23:33  |  glenna 03/07/08
      10.   #1 Proud Israeli - With All Respect, You`re Wrong 23:38  |  Mohamed MALLECK 03/07/08
      11.   Israeli Territory..... 23:48  |  Fred 03/07/08
      12.   Okay! Now u know what to do! 00:28  |  Sharif Hafez 04/07/08
      13.   NO to fake peace 00:58  |  Brod 04/07/08
      14.   I`m glad that PM agrees 2 talk to the enemies 01:51  |  Arik 04/07/08
      15.   Fred # 11 That Depends On Who You Talk To 02:51  |  Jeff Northridge 04/07/08
      16.   A distraction for an attack on Iran 03:04  |  Harold 04/07/08
      17.   Only Lebanon rejects peace 04:13  |  Conroy 04/07/08
      18.   Olmert wants to personally hand over the Golan 04:30  |  Arie 04/07/08
      19.   #15 I suggest you read the Golan Heights Law, Jeff 05:09  |  Johnboy 04/07/08
      20.   #17 sad but true 07:10  |  David G 04/07/08
      21.   `Very Soon` because Olmert NEEDS THE MONEY PROMISED 07:56  |  Dolly 04/07/08
      22.   To Johnboy # 19 - Forget about Laws..... 08:02  |  Dagma 04/07/08
      23.   AFTER THE GAZA MASSACRE NEVER AGAIN. PAWS OFF THE GOLAN 11:27  |  PalestniansAreA Myth 04/07/08
      24.   peaceful prospects? 01:13  |  Mark 05/07/08
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