Olmert: Continue Syria Talks
Outgoing Israeli PM Olmert has expressed his desire to continue indirect talks with Syria before he leaves office. He has stated that he is interested in talks, not necessarily in reaching an agreement by the time he leaves. How much good the talks will do is in serious question, however: he was already supposed to have left office, but incoming Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni has as yet failed to form a ruling coalition. Critics in his country have accused Olmert of overstepping his ‘caretaker’ bounds, and his political power is very limited at this time.
The international stage is a problem for these talks as well, as Syria has already stated it is unlikely to reach a deal until the new U.S. presidential administration has taken office. However, Olmert’s desire for talks for the anticipated three remaining months of his rule can further the process with Syria, and the American elections are coming soon. A main sticking point on the Syrian side in the memo they sent to Israel is of course regarding the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 War. The Israelis hope to discuss Syrian support for Iran and Hezbollah.
Joshua Bark
