Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced on Monday that he does not see any possibility of advancing diplomatic efforts with Israel until Jerusalem reaches a solution for the plight of �1.5 million Palestinians�.
Speaking to the Persian media, the Syrian leader stated five rounds of mediated talks with Israel was a litmus test of where the two countries are holding vis-�-vis serious talks towards launching diplomatic relations. He expressed a willingness and desire to advance diplomatic relations with Israel, but placed the PA issue on the table as a precondition.
Assad accuses Israel of �foot-dragging� releasing his new humanitarian viewpoint shortly after the White House has took a first step towards opening a dialogue with Damascus, which has been on the terror list of former American administrations.
In a somewhat related matter, Turkey�s foreign minister signaled his country is anxious to resume relations with Israel that existed prior to Operation Cast Lead, further stating Ankara is willing to continue acting as a mediator between Jerusalem and Damascus.
(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)
