Report: Sarkozy to appoint mediator for Israel-Syria talks

Al-Hayat newspaper says former French envoy to Damascus and Tel Aviv will be tasked with mediating any future peace talks between Syria, Israel

Reuters | Published: 07.11.10, 10:29

French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to appoint the former ambassador to Damascus, Jean-Claude Cousseran, as a mediator in charge of handling any future negotiations between Israel and Syria, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper al-Hayat reported Sunday.

Cousseran has also served head of the French Foreign Ministry's North Africa and Middle East department and as Paris' ambassador to Cairo, Beirut, Tehran and "occupied Jerusalem", according to the report.

He also headed France's foreign intelligence agency.

French sources told the newspaper Cousseran is designated to mediate negotiations between Israel and Syria due to the fact that his appointment would likely be accepted by both countries.

Syrian President Bashar Assad warned Monday that the Israel-Turkey crisis could affect stability in the Middle East and undermine Ankara's role in the region's peace negotiations.

"If the relationship between Turkey and Israel is not renewed it will be very difficult for Turkey to play a role in negotiations" to revive the Middle East peace process, Assad said on an official visit to Spain.

On Saturday Ynet reported that Assad has asked US Senator Arlen Specter to help jumpstart peace negotiations with Jerusalem.

Israeli officials believe the Syrian president's timing was not coincidental, and that the country is altering its position on talks with Israel following new sanctions on Iran.

Jerusalem is awaiting a call from Specter, who is scheduled to fly back to the US on Monday. There have been no clear signs that his presence will lead to talks, but officials say the fact that he was invited to Syria, and that he passed through Jerusalem on his way, signifies a change in Syrian policy.