Syria for continuing peace negotiations with Israel in Washington

Diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the Syrians asked for the continuation of the peace negotiations in Washington following the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Wednesday and Thursday in Washington.

The sources stated that Syrian officials want a personal intervention from US President Bill Clinton and an American presence in all stages of negotiations and negotiations not to be moved to the region out of fears that the US role and the international pressure on the negotiations will be eliminated.

The sources indicated a refusal of the Syrians to convene the talks at the Wye Plantation or any other place linked to the Palestinian - Israeli negotiations or to the Camp David agreement between Egypt and Israel.

In case the negotiations are moved to the Middle East, Damascus prefers negotiations to be in Jordan in appreciation for the Jordanian role in preparing for building confidence between the Syrians and the Israelis.