Turkey fears Israel having peace with Syria

Israeli army radio on Tuesday reported that the Turkish leaders fear the possibility that Israel Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak will reduce the level of strategic cooperation between Israel and Turkey.

Israel Radio quoted the US paper Defense News as saying that the Turks are fearful of persistent Israeli attempts aimed at reaching a peace agreement with Syria, the traditional enemy of Turkey.

The radio indicated a statement by an Israeli official, who was not identified, who told Defense News that efforts by Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak to resume negotiations with Syria will not negatively affect Israel's relations with Turkey.