Masalha expresses optimism over resuming negotiations on the Syrian track

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha has expressed his optimism over resuming negotiations on the Syrian track.

In an interview with the Israeli radio on Wednesday Masalha said, "We all know that President Hafez al-Assad wants a commitment from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak before the beginning of negotiations to the June 4, 1967 border lines," adding that Barak cannot, beforehand, admit to "Rabin's deposit," because Barak cannot with the current composition of the government in Israel vow beforehand to abide by complete withdrawal from the Golan, though the result of the negotiations will be conducive to such a withdrawal.

Masalha added, "I do not think this position of Barak will be changed despite the mediators who tried and are trying so far," adding that the Americans are the only ones who can mediate between Syria and Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Radio's correspondent for political affairs said the optimism expressed by the US secretary of state at the conclusion of her Tuesday's visit to Damascus is explained by having positive Syrian answers to the 10 American questions submitted to Syria.

The Israeli Radio correspondent indicated that these questions are pertaining to the nature of peace between Syria and Israel, as well as their diplomatic and economic relations, issues pertaining to water and security, the future of the Hizbullah party and the Palestinian opposition organizations stationed in Damascus.