Turkish mediators will hold a fifth and possibly crucial round of talks between Syria and Israel in Istanbul on Sunday, according to according to sources quoted by the London-based Arabic language newspaper Al Hayat.

The discussions will center on borders for an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. Syrian President Bashar Assad has demanded control of the Golan as a condition for a peace agreement. France may participate in the talks if they reach the stage of face-to-face discussions with Israel. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is visiting Syria and will participate in a conference Thursday with Syria, Turkey and Qatar, which represents the Gulf Cooperation Council (G.C.C.).