In a series of meetings that began during the administration of Ariel Sharon in September 2004 and ended with the outbreak of the Second Lebanon War in July 2006, unofficial representatives from both sides reached an understanding for a far-reaching Israeli concession.
Under the agreement, spelled out in what was designated a "non-paper," Syria would withdraw support from terrorist organizations Hizbullah and Hamas, distance itself from Iran, and help secure a stable Iraq. Israel would help Syria normalize relations with the United States. The Golan Heights would be demilitarized and mostly become a park, accessible to both Israelis and Syrians. Israel would retain access to the headwaters of the Jordan River and Lake Kinneret.
According to the report, the talks were mediated by an unnamed European mediator. The Israeli representative in the meetings was Dr. Alon Liel [pictured above], a Foreign Affairs advisor to Ehud Barak who later served as director general of the Foreign Ministry when Barak became Prime Minister. The Syrian representative in the talks was Ibrahim (Abe) Suleiman, an American citizen. The European mediator and Suleiman reportedly "held eight separate meetings with senior Syrian officials, including Vice President Farouk a-Shara, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, and a Syrian intelligence officer with the rank of general."
Suleiman visited Jerusalem and delivered a message to senior officials at the Foreign Ministry regarding the Syrian wish for an agreement with Israel. The Syrians "also asked for help in improving their relations with the United States, and particularly in lifting the American embargo on Syria."
MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) admitted Tuesday morning that he had met with a Syrian representative as part of a British initiative. However, Steinitz said, when he reported the meeting to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the two agreed that they would not pursue talks with Syria until it uprooted terrorism.
Syria has actively promoted attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians through its aid to Hamas and Hizbullah. Israeli intelligence officials say that arms have flowed freely to Hizbullah via Syria.
Under the agreement, spelled out in what was designated a "non-paper," Syria would withdraw support from terrorist organizations Hizbullah and Hamas, distance itself from Iran, and help secure a stable Iraq. Israel would help Syria normalize relations with the United States. The Golan Heights would be demilitarized and mostly become a park, accessible to both Israelis and Syrians. Israel would retain access to the headwaters of the Jordan River and Lake Kinneret.
According to the report, the talks were mediated by an unnamed European mediator. The Israeli representative in the meetings was Dr. Alon Liel [pictured above], a Foreign Affairs advisor to Ehud Barak who later served as director general of the Foreign Ministry when Barak became Prime Minister. The Syrian representative in the talks was Ibrahim (Abe) Suleiman, an American citizen. The European mediator and Suleiman reportedly "held eight separate meetings with senior Syrian officials, including Vice President Farouk a-Shara, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, and a Syrian intelligence officer with the rank of general."
Suleiman visited Jerusalem and delivered a message to senior officials at the Foreign Ministry regarding the Syrian wish for an agreement with Israel. The Syrians "also asked for help in improving their relations with the United States, and particularly in lifting the American embargo on Syria."
MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) admitted Tuesday morning that he had met with a Syrian representative as part of a British initiative. However, Steinitz said, when he reported the meeting to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the two agreed that they would not pursue talks with Syria until it uprooted terrorism.
Syria has actively promoted attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians through its aid to Hamas and Hizbullah. Israeli intelligence officials say that arms have flowed freely to Hizbullah via Syria.