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Barak, Ehud

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak Sets Conditions for Peace Talks with Syria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Monday cautioned that Israel has limits to what it will accept in peace talks with Syria, as he and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright pushed to revive long-stalled negotiations. The cautious tone from Mr. Barak contrasted with the optimism of officials in his government, who had hinted at a concrete move to restart peace negotiations with Syria.

Emerging from a one-hour breakfast meeting with Mrs. Albright, Mr. Barak told reporters that he will bring about only those arrangements that will strengthen the security of the state of Israel by bringing an end to the conflict. He said that returning the Golan Heights, which Syria is demanding, would be a very difficult issue to resolve. Mr. Barak's comments appeared to try to dampen hopes raised by officials in his government who had hinted at a concrete move to restart peace negotiations with Syria.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has set conditions for peace talks with Syria, indicating that Israel will only accept arrangements that strengthen its security.
  • Mr. Barak has refused to commit to a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights, a key demand of Syria for peace negotiations.
  • The U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright has welcomed Mr. Barak's commitment to peace talks and has pledged to play a facilitator's role, rather than exerting pressure as a "policeman, judge and arbitrator".
  • Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has expressed hope that peace talks with Israel can resume by the end of the month.
  • The Israeli government has committed to implementing its obligations under the Wye River accord, including moving to "final status" talks with the Palestinians on sensitive issues such as sovereignty and borders.
  • U.S. officials believe that prospects for a Syria-Israel breakthrough look bright, with Mrs. Albright considering adding a stop in Damascus to her upcoming Middle East trip.

Statistics:

  • 1967: The year Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria.
  • 1978: The year Egypt's President Anwar Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin agreed on the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab state.
  • 5 days: The length of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's U.S. trip, which includes meetings with President Clinton and other officials.
  • 1-6 months: The timeframe for peace talks with the Palestinians, according to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Associated Press wire reports.

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