Barak: Israel may consider ceding Golan
Defense minister voices uncertainty about volatile ceasefire with Hamas during trip to Paris, says direct negotiations with Syria unlikely in coming year without American intervention. Israel, he says, is 'ready to consider putting an end' to its control over the Heights
In an interview with France's Le Monde newspaper published Thursday, Barak was quoted as saying, "This cease-fire, we don't know how long it can hold, two days or two months. Historically we have been on a collision course with Hamas. But it nevertheless makes sense to seize this chance. If (the ceasefire) breaks, we will have a stronger legitimacy. If it holds, it is an opportunity."
The European Union welcomed the truce. "I know it has been a long time of negotiations with Egypt," EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said in Brussels. "We are hopeful that the truce will hold and that it will create the dynamics that will allow the political dialogue to continue."
Only America can bridge gaps
Barak suggested in the interview that it would be "good" if Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Syrian President Bashar Assad "sat together, under French and European auspices." It was unclear if Barak was referring to the overall summit, which will include many chiefs of state, or to the possibility of one-on-one talks.
But, he said, Jerusalem and Damascus are unlikely to hold full peace negotiations before the end of the year, or without the involvement of the United States.
"I don't think we will have negotiations before the end of this year nor without the contribution of the Americans, who, alone, can help bridge the gaps," he said, adding he believed the United States would get involved in the future.
Barak said that while there were great strategic advantages to keeping the Golan, Israel was "ready to consider putting an end" to its occupation of the territory.
"At the right time, if the negotiations succeed, we will be ready to take difficult decisions," he said, echoing similar comments by Olmert.
Barak also called for tougher international sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, and said Russia, China and India should play a greater role in persuading Iran to give up nuclear activities that many in the West believe are aimed at making weapons.