Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday said he would like to renew peace talks with Syria, but insisted that Damascus first end its support of anti-Israel groups in the Palestinian areas and Lebanon.
"I hope we will be able to arrive at dialogue with Syria at some point if Syria upholds the most basic of commitments, the cessation of violence -- the same commitment we demand of anyone we talk to," Olmert told a meeting of lawmakers from his Kadima party, according to the AP.
"If Syria agrees to stop the violence, stop its support for Hamas, stop its support for Hezbollah and sever its appalling connection with Iran, then we'll be able to engage in a diplomatic process," Olmert added. "I have no doubt that this is something we want to happen."
Last week, Olmert told the cabinet that now is not the time to embark on negotiations with Syria, given that U.S. President George W. Bush is demanding President Assad "stop instigating war."
