A fifth round of Turkish-brokered talks between Syria and Israel that had been due to be held on Thursday has been delayed at Israel's request, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said. "It has been postponed at the request of the Israeli side," Muallem told a press conference with his visiting Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos on Wednesday.
"When Israel is ready to resume the talks, we will be too because we want to build a solid base that will allow the launch of direct negotiations whatever the outcome of the Kadima party elections in Israel," Muallem added, according to AFP.
The Syrian minister was referring to the party of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, which was voting for a new leader on Wednesday.
