Copyright 2003 Haaretz
July 17
HEADLINE: Syria ready to discuss releasing kidnapped Israelis
BYLINE: Haaretz Service
Syrian President Bashar Assad is interested in
opening direct negotiations with Israel and
discussing the release of kidnapped and missing
Israelis in a prisoner exchange, Ma'ariv reported
Thursday.
Of the missing Israelis, Assad
was quoted as saying: "Some are
dead, some are alive. We know
where they are and demand the
release of prisoners held in
Israel in exchange for them,
including at least two Syrian
citizens."
Assad reportedly made the comments in a Damascus meeting he had about a
week ago with United Nations Mideast envoy
Terje Larsen.
Assad said he wanted direct contact with Israel.
"We're interested in negotiating with Israel,
in bilateral talks," he said, according to the
report.
Syria expressed on Saturday its readiness to
renew peace talks with Israel if Israel were to
agree to completely withdraw from the Golan
Heights.