Israeli President Shimon Peres said Tuesday that Israel maintains contact with Syria and transfers messages both overtly and covertly, local media reported.
"We are conducting contacts, some of them 'under the rug.'" Peres was quoted by Army Radio as saying in the Negev town of Yeruham, "The Syrian, however, must solve two problems. One, the problem of Lebanon becoming a satellite state of Iran, and the other, the permission given to Haled Mashaal to remain in its territory."
"If Syria wants to negotiate with us, this is not a good way to start. It is, however, good that they came (to Annapolis) and the fact that the Saudis arrived is also important." he added.
Regarding the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis summit, attended by representatives from some 40 countries in efforts to relaunch dormant peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the president said it was an important step in the peace process.
"The conference certainly has potential, and in the meantime, until we see all its results, it was certainly a good start from which to progress to something of importance," he was quoted.
Peres pointed to the participation of Arab countries in the conference as an especially positive sign, "and it is not important who is shaking hands and who is not."
The president also regarded Washington's participation in the peace process positively, saying "I think that now all sides are interested in not wasting time or potential opportunities. Each one aspires to reach peace. I think this is common to all sides."
Source:Xinhua
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