Syrian leader stresses Turkey's 'important role' in talks with Israel

Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday underscored Turkey's important role in the peace process between his country and Israel. During talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, Assad renewed Damascus' commitment to "a just and comprehensive peace" in the Middle East, saying, "To establish such a peace, (Israel's) occupation must be ended and rights restored." In May 2008, Turkey mediated indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria, especially on the Golan Heights, which was seized and later annexed by Israel after the 1967 Middle East war. But the talks broke down at the end of 2008 over Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. As part of its policy of zero problems with neighboring countries, Turkey has boosted its ties with Syria in recent months by lifting mutual visa requirements and reaching an agreement over a dam on their shared Orontes (Asi) River.