David Levy calls on al-Assad for negotiations

Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy called today on Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to start direct negotiations with Israel instead of sending messages by the means of third parties.

In a statement to Israeli television Levy said Syria has been sending positive signs since Barak assumed the power.

He also said Syria should begin actual and practical moves to frankly announce the future steps toward resuming negotiations, to stay away from any matters that could obstruct peace process, to answer Barak's calls and desire to complete the peace process with the Arabs within 15 months.