Region | Syria
Syria plays down chances of direct talks with Israel
A senior Syrian official said on Tuesday no direct negotiations will be held with Israel until it recognises what Damascus regards as requirements for a deal.
- Reuters
- Published: 21:17 June 10, 2008
Damascus: A senior Syrian official said on Tuesday no direct negotiations will be held with Israel until it recognises what Damascus regards as requirements for a deal.
Indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel are expected to resume soon in Turkey, which has been mediating between the two sides since last year.
The Damascus government and Israel have kept secret the details of the talks.
Syria seeks full return of the occupied Golan Heights and Israel has linked a peace agreement to Syria distancing itself from Iran and severing ties with Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas.
"I think it is too early to resume direct talks. There are conditions," Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Al Mekdad told reporters.
"I hope Israel responds to the requirements of peace, which are the end of the occupation of Palestine and the establishment of a Palestinian state, restoration of the Syrian Golan and pull out of remaining occupied Lebanese territory," he added.
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