Israel, Jerusalem, Dec. 18 /corr. Trend A.Gut/ The Prime Minister of
Israel Ehud Olmert will make a working visit to Turkey on Monday to meet with
the Prime Minister of Turkey Rajab Tayyip Erdogan, who acts as mediator in the
indirect the talks between Israel and Syria, a source in the Embassy of Turkey
in Israel told Trend .
According to the source, over the last two weeks, by telephone the leaders of Israel and Turkey discussed the problem and prospects for the peaceful settlement between Israel and Syria, including the document, which Damascus presented to Turkey. The document contains Damascus's territorial requirements to Israel.
It is understandable that resigning Ehud Olmert attempts to make his last steps to advance peaceful process with Syria, before he leaves the political arena of Israel. Diplomatic source says that the Israeli side hopes that after the meeting Olmert and Erdogan, the stage of direct talks between Israel and Syria will begin. Although source itself doubts over this.
This week, Israel and Syria stated to Turkish mediator that currently they were not interested in conducting next round of indirect negotiations. Negotiations are temporarily stopped, since they are senseless by the end of elections in Israel. Turkish representatives consider that the negotiations will be renewed after Israel will elect new Prime Minister. The decision to postpone negotiations is not connected with the numerous protests of Israeli Foreign Ministry concerning the fact that because of the renewed contacts with Israel, Syria left the international isolation, although it did not cease to contact, but vice versa, strengthened relations with Iran, and also with HAMAS and Hezbollah.
Several days ago, through the Turkish mediators the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad presented his version of future state borders, and waits the answer of Israel. Syrian leader proposed to conduct boundary along the coast of Kineret Lake, as a result of which the Golan Heights occur under the sovereignty of Syria.
Damascus expects Israeli answer to this proposal, not intending to transfer to direct dialogue. According to some experts, the consent of Israel to the Syrian requirements will make it possible to conclude a peaceful treaty already in 2009.
The Israeli troops seized Golan Heights during the six day war of 1967. In 1981 this territory was officially annexed.