US tries to convince Syria to resume negotiations with Israel

Arab diplomatic sources in Riyadh which have followed up talks the Syrian foreign minister held in Riyadh said that the US is trying to convince Damascus to resume negotiations with Israel.

The same sources asserted to AFP that Saudi Arabia is taking part in these undeclared efforts made by the US, which presented proposals for reaching a formula that will avail Damascus to resume the negotiations with Israel, suspended since January 10th.

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara left Saudi Arabia on Monday at the conclusion of his visit during which Riyadh stressed its backing for Syria in its quest to obtain an Israeli commitment to withdraw from the Golan as a stipulation to returning to the negotiating table.

According to these diplomatic sources, which asked not to be identified, the announcement to resume these negotiations will be made before the ministerial meeting of the Arab League which will be held in Beirut on March 11 and 12.