Turkey waits for Syria and Israel to signal readiness to resume talks

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

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Foreign Ministry Spokesman Burak Ozugergin said Turkey had not yet received a nod from the two countries that would allow it to initiate new talks. 

"Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, during his visit to the United States, relayed the message that Turkey was ready to help resume talks. The U.S. executives, on every opportunity, say they appreciate the role assumed by Turkey," Ozugergin was quoted by Anatolian Agency as telling at a news conference.

He said U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, currently on a visit to the region, would surely share his views with Turkey after the visit.

Syria held Turkey-mediated indirect talks with Israel last year; however, they collapsed over Israel's offensive on Gaza in late December.

Syria has since said it is willing to resume talks that focus on Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. But Israel’s new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he would not be willing to cede the territory.

Photos are archive images.