Barak ready to negotiate with Syria following formation of new government

Western sources quoted Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak as saying that negotiations between Israel and Syria have resulted in maintaining agreements on most of the matters pertaining to the security arrangements and the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Golan. But he indicated that Israel's withdrawal until the waters of the Tabaraya will not be made.

The sources said it was also agreed between the two sides to fully normalize political relations, adding that most of these issues were not ultimately decided upon, despite the fact that they had been approved.

The Western sources added that Barak is ready to resume negotiations with Syria following the formation of his government. But they said Barak told the US administration that he will persist during his negotiations with Syria to ask Syria to freeze the operations carried out by the Hizbullah Party in south Lebanon.

The Western sources added that if the Hizbullah operations continue while the negotiations are proceeding, Barak will work to suspend the negotiations, as he will be under pressure from the Israeli right, if he does not do so.

The sources added that the US has already started contacts with Syria to calm down the Hizbullah front.