Dramatic announcement - Israel and Syria have launched peace negotiations mediated by Turkey

In a dramatic, unexpected and promising announcement, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday that Israel and Syria have initiated indirect peace talks. The announcement comes at a time when a large delegation of Syrian military officials are visiting Moscow to discuss strategic ties and purchase state-of-the-art Russian weaponry, and admist reports that Syria has denied access to International observers requesting to visit suspected Syrian Nuclear sites. According to officials, the central question now surrounding the peace talks is which must come first: a Syrian announcement of ending support for terrorist organizations or an Israeli guarantee to withdraw from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. 05/21/08