Time for Israel to act over Golan

It's been three months now since Syria and Israel got involved in indirect peace talks through Turkish mediation. The talks were suspended due to the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert over his corruption scandal. Against this backdrop, Syria has drafted a document two days ago defining the boundaries of the occupied Golan Heights with reference to six geographical points.

In fact, this move by Syrian president Bashar Al Assad seeks to assess where Israel stands when it comes to the territorial problem. The onus is now on the Jewish state to come forward and clearly state its position. Stalling the issue further will lead to yet another cycle of useless negotiations wasting inevitably everyone's time.

Since their indirect peace talks have taken place behind closed doors, it is very hard to assess the level of progress that's been achieved. Moreover, it is very unlikely that any substantial developments will occur since elections are due in Israel in the coming months. Depending on who wins - so far it is a hot race between Tzipi Livni and Benjamin Netenyahu - the outcome of these negotiations can be very different.

Bottom line is, if Syria and Israel are serious about peace, they have to say so. Israel has to show a solid commitment to these ongoing negotiations.