Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday said he would like to renew peace talks with Syria, but insisted that Damascus first end its support of anti-Israel militant groups in the Palestinian areas and Lebanon.

 

Syria has said on several occasions recently that it would like to resume negotiations with Israel, which broke down seven years ago. Olmert has rejected the offers, citing Syria's support for Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas and other militant groups.

 

"I hope we will be able to arrive at dialogue with Syria at some point if Syria upholds the most basic of commitments, the cessation of violence the same commitment we demand of anyone we talk to," Olmert told a meeting of lawmakers from his Kadima party.

 

"If Syria agrees to stop the violence, stop its support for Hamas, stop its support for Hezbollah, and sever its appalling connection with Iran, then we'll be able to engage in a diplomatic process," Olmert added. "I have no doubt that this is something we want to happen."

 

Syria hosts headquarters of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Palestinian militant groups committed to Israel's destruction, and offers financial and logistical support to Hezbollah, which battled the Israeli army to a stalemate during a 34-day war last summer.

 

There was no immediate reaction from Syria to Olmert's latest comments. The recent Baker-Hamilton report submitted to the White House recommended that Israel resume talks with Syria to help ease Mideast tensions. Olmert has rejected the report's conclusions.

 

Israeli officials have been divided over whether Assad's latest gestures are sincere. A senior military intelligence official said yesterday that he believes the Syrian offer is genuine, lawmakers said.

 

Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz, head of military intelligence's research decision, told parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that Syria is interested in talks to boost its international standing, said committee member Yuval Steinitz. But the officer stopped short of saying Syria is interested in a peace agreement, committee members said.

 

(China Daily December 26, 2006)