Barak and negotiations with Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has denied any direct contacts between Israel and Syria at a time when contacts continue with the US.

During the weekly session of his Cabinet on Sunday, Barak was quoted by Israeli Radio as saying he does not know of a possible date for resuming negotiations with Syria and, "Therefore, it is difficult to assess the possible success of negotiations in case they are resumed."

Barak added that it will be difficult to reach an agreement with Syria during this year if negotiations between Tel Aviv and Damascus are not resumed during the coming months.

Concerning the situation in occupied south Lebanon, Barak described the situation there as fragile and ready to explode at any moment.