Bashar Ja'afari
Photo: Reuters
Syrian envoy: Olmert exit could affect peace talks
Israeli PM's resignation may have impact on indirect peace talks, Syria's UN ambassador says; source says new round of negotiations expected in mid-August
Syria's ambassador to the United Nations said on Wednesday the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could affect Syria's indirect peace talks with its arch foe Israel.
Asked if Olmert's announcement could have an impact on the talks, which have been brokered by Turkey, Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told Reuters: "It could do. I hope not."
Earlier on Wednesday a source close to the talks said in Istanbul that the two countries will hold a new round of indirect talks in Turkey in mid-August after failing to move on to face-to-face negotiations.
In his dramatic public address Wednesday evening, Olmert said "I want to make it clear – I am proud to be a citizen of a country where the prime minister can be investigated like a regular citizen. It is the duty of the police to investigate, and the duty of the prosecution to instruct the police. The prime minister is not above the law."
"I will step aside properly in an honorable and responsible way, and afterwards I will prove my innocence," he said.
