Former Israeli diplomat: Syria willing to cut ties with Iran

The former director-general of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Alon Liel, told the Sunday Telegraph yesterday that Syria is willing to cut its ties with Iran in return for financial and military backing from the United States. Liel, who has been holding unofficial talks with Syrian representatives, made his comments after the third round of indirect negotiations took place between Israel and Syria in Turkey. Liel added that Syrian President Bashar Assad is open to a peace agreement with Israel but is concerned over the effect it will have regarding the balance of power in the region with Iran. Liel also hinted that any outcome or deal resulting from the talks will happen after a new US president is elected. Liel noted that many meetings are still needed regarding the negotiations in order to narrow the differences, however he did add that progress was made on key issues including borders and water.

"They [Syria] are asking not only for the Golan Heights but a change in Washington that will break the Syrian isolation internationally," Liel remarked. "But I also think they will not do it unless they are assured they have an alternative to Iran." Meanwhile, Turkey is set to host a fourth round of indirect talks between the two parties later this month.

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