Israel-Syria peace talks to resume under Turkish mediation

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel and Syria will begin on Tuesday a fourth round of indirect peace talks under Turkish mediation, an Israeli official said.

Two advisers to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert -- Shalom Turjeman and Yoram Turbowitz -- will travel to Turkey during the day to resume the talks, the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Israel's desire for peace is very serious," the official said. "That is why we expect that the process that has been begun will soon evolve into direct bilateral negotiations with a view to achieving significant results."

The Israeli-Syrian talks started in May after an eight-year freeze, and the third round was held in early July.

Under the format of the talks, Israeli and Syrian officials do not see each other and...