EU Middle East envoy denies secret talks between Syria, Israel
Syria-European Union, Politics, 6/7/1999

The European Union's Middle East peace process envoy, Miguel Moratinos, has denied any secret negotiations between Syria and the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year.

Netanyahu claimed that secret contacts had taken place between Israel and Syria and that there had been no results.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Watan published on Sunday in Kuwait, the EU Middle East envoy added that what has been said on this matter is "incorrect."

He stressed the desire of both Syria and Lebanon to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. He continuedthat he felt such a desire from the Syrian side during his recent visit to Damascus and in his frequent meetings with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa.

Moratinos added that Syria agreed to immediately start any peace negotiations that provide for restoring the Golan Heights, adding, "Syria awaits Ehud Barak to carry out his pledge to withdraw from south Lebanon."

He revealed contacts held between the US administration and the EU presidium to agree on proposing new initiatives towards reactivating the Middle East peace process through starting with implementing certain practical ideas.

Moratinos stressed that all await the formation of Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak's government in order to revive Middle East peace, implement signed agreements and resume talks on all tracks.

Previous Stories:
  The Israelis and negotiations with Syria   (6/4/1999)
  Moratinos: European Union intends to play its full role in peace process   (6/2/1999)
  Syrian FM: No secret talks held with Israel   (6/2/1999)
  Europe welcomes the outcome of Israel's elections   (5/26/1999)

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