Willing to meet?
Photo: Reuters
Arab sources: Israel-Syria contacts at crucial point
European efforts have gathered steam in recent weeks, may lead to Assad's willingness to meet with Olmert
Arab sources claim that indirect contacts between Israel and Syria will reach a decisive point in the upcoming days and potentially allow for a direct meeting between Syrian President Bashar Assad and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
The sources told Ynet Friday that European efforts to mediate between Israel and Syria gathered steam in recent weeks. Their primary focus, according to the sources, is to convince Assad to announce his willingness to meet with Olmert.
"Talks are getting to the point where its possible to have a formula that will persuade Assad to say he's willing to speak and meet with Olmert," they said.
If the Syrians believe that Israel is willing to withdraw from the entirety of the Golan Heights, it's possible that Assad's willingness to meet will be declared prior to Barack Obama's inauguration as US President in late January.
Recent reports alleged that Olmert's upcoming visit to Turkey is the result of a breakthrough in recent days of talks.
