Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Nation & World


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Syria open to talks with Israel — once Bush leaves

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published Thursday that he was open to direct talks with Israel on a peace deal based...

The Washington Post

CAIRO, Egypt — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published Thursday that he was open to direct talks with Israel on a peace deal based on Israel's return of the Golan Heights. But he added that such negotiations could only happen under U.S. sponsorship after the Bush administration leaves office.

Assad's comments to the al-Watan newspaper of Qatar acknowledged the likelihood of heavy opposition to such talks within the U.S. government and among Israeli hawks, who value the Golan's strategic heights as a buffer against possible Syrian hostilities.

"Maybe with a future American administration — we can talk then of direct negotiations," Assad said in the interview. "This administration doesn't possess a vision or a willingness for a peaceful progress. It doesn't possess anything."

Israel captured the Golan from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war, and effectively annexed the area in 1981 by extending Israeli civil law to its Arab and Druze residents. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the water-rich region is home to about 20,000 Israeli settlers.

Syria and Israel last held direct peace talks in 2000. The negotiations, mediated by President Clinton in the waning days of his administration, foundered over how much authority Syria would have over the coast along the Sea of Galilee.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot last week that Israel and Syria had recently set out their mutual demands that would have to be addressed in a future peace deal. He called the step "a significant move" toward peace.

In his interview, Assad said Turkish Prime Minister Racep Tayyip Erdogan had been serving as a middleman for an exchange of messages between Israel and Syria since April 2007. About a week ago, Assad said, Erdogan relayed what the Turkish leader said was Israel's willingness to return the Golan.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said he could neither confirm nor deny the content of Assad's remarks.

But Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that there had been an exchange of views between Israel and Syria through the Turkish government.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Nation & World headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

Senate Democrats split on health bill's fate

UPDATE - 05:12 PM
SC gov faces 37 charges he broke state ethics laws

U.K. started planning early for war, leaked papers show

Vaccine to kill nicotine buzz now in late tests by small drug firm

India's feeling bruised even before White House visit

Advertising

Video

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

nwautos

Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattlenew
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment

Advertising