New tone in Syrian-Israeli negotiations

Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said on Thursday that the atmospheres of talks between the Syrian and Israeli negotiating delegation in Washington has changed from what it had been before, as direct and personal talks were held on Wednesday. "The ice that used to prevail in the past has melted, and new negotiations have started."

In an interview with the Hebrew-language Israeli Radio, Levy added that the representatives of Israel in the negotiating delegation made remarks on the long inauguration speech made by the Syrian delegation and its meaning and concepts.

Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of Justice Yossi Beilin said on Thursday that he is optimistic over the possibility of ratifying an agreement within months, adding that he expects popular consent in Israel on an agreement concluded by his government. He warned the US in that it has to expect to pay a dear price for peace.

The AP quoted Beilin, currently visiting New York to deliver a speech before the foreign relations council and leaders of the American Jews, as saying, "I want to say that what had been said by the Syrian side is not exactly a sort of music to my ears. Yet, I am sure when an agreement is reached what will be said them by them will be much better."