Israel consents to Turkey's mediation in peace talks with Syria

Israel has agreed to the recommencement of Turkish mediation in indirect talks with Syria, RIA Novosti reports with reference to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In May 2008, Syria and Israel started indirect peace talks mediated by Turkey. Nevertheless, the dialogue was terminated more than a year ago after the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, relations between Tel Aviv and Ankara considerably worsened. In December 2009, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman dismissed the possibility of recommencement of the negotiations with Turkish mediation, insisting on direct dialogue, but now Tel Aviv has changed its opinion.

"The talks between Syria and Israel can resume at any time," Turkish television quoted Erdogan as saying during his current visit to Saudi Arabia. Israel occupied the Syrian Golan Heights during the 1967 war, and in 1981 annexed them. The international community has not recognized the act. The main aim of Damascus is to restore the 4 June, 1967, boundary line.