Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Turkish President Abdullah Gul that Israel is not genuinely interested in peace and therefore, no date has been set for renewed mediated talks with Jerusalem.
 
Gul arrived in Syria on Friday and departs on Sunday. During a joint press conference, the two spoke of the possibility of renewing the mediated talks with Israel, talks that halted with Israel’s launch of the counter-terror offensive in Gaza, Operation Cast Lead.
 
“When Israel is ready, talks will resume… I have said repeatedly that peace is a strategic decision that Israel must make. We will continue working with the assistance of our friends Turkey towards a just peace” stated Assad.

Assad added that he is not ruling out talks on any channel, explaining he is willing to permit American intervention in talks with Israel as well. He added that for as long as a peace agreement has not been reached between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) and an agreement hasn’t been reached between Hamas and Fatah, the region will remain unstable. He stressed that he has stated his government is willing to resume talks with Israel, adding Turkey is not opposed to American intervention.
 
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon responded, somewhat perplexed by the Syrian leader’s words, who he says would like the world to believe that Israel is to blame for the frozen talks. Speaking at a Shabbos event in Beersheva, Ayalon stated that Assad is not truly interested in peace because such a reality would demand “normalization” and “openness” which would “destabilize his government”.

Ayalon stated the Syrian leader is simply not telling the truth, explaining he is not interested in peace but in an end to Syria’s state of isolation and sanctions and pressure from the international community.
 
He called on Assad to come forward without preconditions, adding Damascus backs Hizbullah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, rejecting peace overtures from the Syrian leader which are accompanied by support and financing of terrorism.
 
Regarding the Iranian threat, Ayalon stated such a military operation cannot take place without American agreement and logistical assistance. The deputy minister also feels confident that the nuclear program can be halted by increased sanctions and such a move is dependent on the tenacity of the international community.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)