Israel dispuesto a negociar con Siria; el manejo del agua

November 29, 2007 (LPAC) -- Miri Eisin, the spokeswoman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today in Washington that Israel would be in favor of negotiating a peace treaty with Syria. Replying to a question from EIR regarding Syrian participation at Annapolis at a press conference she held today at the National Press Club, subsequent to the meeting of the Israeli and Palestinian leaders with President Bush, Eisin said, "Syria is a pivotal player in the region. And when you talk about peace with a neighboring country you have to think hard about the issues." She then noted Syria's support for Hezbollah and Hamas. "But they made a choice to come to the conference," she added. "There is then the possibility that through the process that has been opened, we can begin to also discuss with the Syrians. It definitely opens new avenues for discussion," she said. "I don't think you will suddenly see the announcement of an agreement as a result of some secret negotiations," she said, playing down EIR's reference to the possible back-channel talks going on. "But Syria is a pivotal player and Olmert has said several times that he would want to come to an agreement with them," Eisin said.

An Arab journalist covering the Annapolis Summit indicated to EIR that his people in Tel Aviv had told him that the Israelis had pushed hard to get the Syrians invited to Annapolis.

Eisin indicated that the road ahead would be difficult on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides, and that both parties had major obstacles internally to overcome. Nevertheless, she indicated that there have been "subtle changes" in the situation which have allowed the two leaders to begin discussions. "They are gradually building a bond of trust. Nevertheless, there are questions on the ability of being able to deliver on both sides. If we do nothing, bad things will happen," she said. "We can't re-explain the past, but we have to focus on the present."

Eisin also indicated that there were now parties at the table that were not there before, and that could make a difference, noting that it was the first instance of an Israeli leader speaking at an assembly where the Saudis and many other Arab countries were in attendance. "They're there and involved, not mediating the process, but supporting it," she said.

Finally, in response to a question about Syrian complaints about Israel taking too much water from the Jordan River, Eisin said that Israel "has one of the best programs for water utilization. We are cooperating with China, a very big country but with major water shortages, in the issues of efficient water management." If Israel could achieve agreements with its Arab neighbors, "Israel's technological potential can be used to the benefit of the world."