Vilnai and negotiations with Syria

Israeli Minister of Science, Culture and Sports Matan Vilnai said in a statement quoted on Monday by Israeli radio that the current round of negotiations between Israel and Syria is considered the first in a long time as continued rounds of talks have been carried out between the Syrian and Israeli sides on such a high level, adding that this "in itself is a great achievement."

Vilnai added that the Syrians are sparing no efforts to enroll the question of borders on the work agenda of the negotiations, adding that the Israelis are trying to define a schedule for these negotiations that will deal first with security arrangements, considering that the core of the negotiations between the Israeli and Syrian sides concentrates on the issue of security arrangements.

He continued that each and every peace agreement signed between Syria and Israel should have taken this matter into account, adding that the main condition for giving up a strategic position is security arrangements, the same as happened in the Sinai.

For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said nothing has been agreed so far concerning the question of borders between Syria and Israel. He also indicated that there is progress and understanding between the Syrian and Israeli delegations.