Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni released a statement on Thursday that prior to moving ahead with negotiations with the Syrians, Damascus must disassociate itself with Hizbullah, Hamas and Iran.

Ahead of a meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, Livni stated Syria must distance itself from its Iranian contacts and halt ongoing support and funding for Hizbullah and Hamas.

Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office have signaled that direct talks between Israel and Syria are possible. At present, negotiations are being conducted via Turkey, acting as a mediator between the sides.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)