Israel and Syria recently announced that they are involved in indirect negotiations toward a peace agreement through Turkish mediators. There has not been such an effort since the breakdown of U.S.-led negotiations eight years ago.
The process for establishing the indirect talks began in February 2007 after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert visited Turkey. The indirect talks stopped after a September 2007 Israeli air strike on what the Israelis and Americans believe was a Syrian nuclear facility, but resumed after a meeting between Olmert and Turkish Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan in November 2007. More recently from May 19-21, Israeli and Syrian delegations met separately with Turkish mediators in Istanbul.
On May 27, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan stated that while it is the beginning of the negotiation process, substantive progress could lead to direct talks between the two countries. Turkey has said that there would soon be another round of talks. Recently, Syrian Information Minister Muhsin Bilal said that Israel knows the entire Golan Heights, up to the 1967 borders, will be returned to the Syrians. Olmert has stated that Israel has put forth no commitment to withdraw from the Golan Heights, but at the same he recognized that Israel will have to make “difficult concessions” to Syria in any peace treaty. A main goal for Israel is to weaken the alliance between Syria and Iran. On May 27, however, the Syrian and Iranian governments signed a defense agreement.
Important Players
Turkey
- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Has played a critical role in the renewed talks by holding conversations with both Israeli and Syrian leaders, and by designating a special envoy to facilitate the negotiations. Syrian-Turkish relations grew stronger in 2004 after Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad exchanged diplomatic visits. Erdogan has been prime minister since 2003 and is a member of the majority AKP party which is currently under pressure from that country’s courts because of accusations of anti-secular behavior.
- Ahmet Davutoglu, Erdogan’s chief foreign policy adviser: Plays an important behind-the- scenes role in Turkish politics and foreign policy through his strong relationships with Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, and President Abdullah Gul. Davutoglu seeks to strengthen Turkey’s role in the region, and advocates for Turkey’s possible inclusion in the EU. Davutoglu and Feridun Sinirlioglu serve as mediators in the Israeli-Syrian talks.
- Feridun Sinirlioglu, deputy undersecretary of the Turkish Foreign Ministry: In 2004, while serving as the Turkish ambassador to Israel, Sinirlioglu was involved in inquiring whether Israel would be open to negotiations with Syria. Many in the Turkish foreign policy establishment believe that Sinirlioglu holds pro-Israeli views.
Israel
- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert: Took over as acting prime minister in January 2006 and was formally elected in March 2006. In February 2007, a visit by Olmert to Turkey led to the renewal of Israeli-Syrian indirect talks under Turkish auspices. Olmert’s ability to negotiate with Syria is complicated by the ongoing criminal investigation against him, the thin majority his Kadima party holds in the Knesset and the Israeli public’s potential opposition to returning the Golan. Olmert has stated that the Palestinian and Syrian negotiations will not conflict.
- Yoram Turbowicz, Olmert’s chief of staff: A former Trade and Industry minister and Trade Restrictions Authority commissioner, and one of Olmert’s most trusted advisers. Turbowicz’s critical role in handling both political and security issues for Olmert, has led to some concerns about his growing power. Turbowicz traveled to Turkey shortly after Olmert’s visit in February 2007, and was involved in determining the terms and agenda for the talks.
- Shalom Turgeman, Olmert’s foreign policy adviser: A former chief diplomatic adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Turgeman has taken the lead with Turbowicz in the indirect discussions with Syria. The two traveled to Turkey multiple times in the past year for Turkish-led talks and most recently were present for the May 19-21 meetings.
Syria
- President Bashar al-Assad: President since 2001, Assad originally met with Erdogan in January 2004, and suggested that Turkey help renew the process of Israeli-Syrian negotiations. At that time the Israeli government was hesitant to restart negotiations due to reticence of the Bush Administration to engage in any talks with Syria. In support of the renewed negotiations, Assad designated Dr. Riad Daoudi to represent Syria in its talks with Israel.
- Dr. Riad Daoudi, legal counselor of the Foreign Ministry: Represents the Syrian government in the talks in Turkey. He has previous experience negotiating with the Israeli government and continued discussions with Israeli officials even after the failed peace attempt in 2000.
