Israel Matzav

French conclude Israeli-Syrian talks 'unlikely'

With talks of 'neutral' France replacing Islamist Turkey as a go-between for Israel and Syria, French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent senior diplomats to the two countries to see whether there is anything to be discussed between them. The unsurprising conclusion: There's nothing to talk about.

Israeli diplomats and senior Jerusalem officials told Haaretz that the authors of the report were Patrice Paoli, director of the North Africa and Middle East desk at the French Foreign Ministry, and Nicolas Gallas, a special adviser to Sarkozy on Middle East affairs.

The two senior French diplomats visited Israel during the second week of March, which coincided with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit. They met with Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor, National Security Adviser Uzi Arad, and individuals who had been involved in the indirect negotiations with Syria conducted by the Olmert government through Turkish mediation.

In their report, the French diplomats told Sarkozy that they believe meaningful negotiations between Israel and Syria are not possible in the near future due to the two country's considerable mutual suspicion and lack of readiness to make any kind of compromise. In their opinion, Israel is not ready to fully withdraw from the Golan Heights, while Syria is not prepared to cut ties with Iran and Hezbollah.

Well, that won't stop the Obumbler from trying to force a deal. Sarko just isn't determined enough. Heh.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:42 PM