Barak gives priority to the Syrian track

Israel Radio said on Sunday that the question of resuming Syrian - Israeli negotiations will occupy a prominent and pivotal position in the talks Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will hold with French officials during his expected visit to Europe. Israel Radio added that Barak will express his readiness to extend a helping hand to push forward the Syrian-Israeli track but that he is not ready for "Paris to play a key role in reactivating this track."

The radio report said Barak believes in the need to hold direct contacts and settle disputes between the two sides without foreign intervention.