Bashar Assad, to show restraint?
Photo: AFP
Report: US urges Syria, Israel to show restraint
Al-Sharq al-Awsat quotes American officials commenting on Israel-Syria crisis, urging both states to renew peace talks and avoid 'hindering' acts
As tension continues to rise between Damascus and Jerusalem, the United States is urging Syria and Israel to show restraint and return to the negotiations table.
Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper on Friday quoted sources in Washington who addressed the tension between the two countries, and called for Syria to "show restraint and not take any measures that would hinder launching negotiations."
According to the report, the source added that "Washington is working seriously towards renewing peace talks swiftly, and on all channels," including between Israel and Syria.
In addition, the source stated that "there are issues that are still pending, and are a cause for concern for Syria," which they said would be handled by the designated American ambassador to Damascus, Robert Ford, as soon as his appointment is approved by the Senate.
Meanwhile, the paper also quoted Syrian officials who responded to remarks made by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's, who threatened to bring down Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime in the event of a war with Israel.
According to the report, the Syrian officials believe "the reason for these remarks may be messages that Lieberman meant to convey within Israel" or what they called "a cover for the current Israeli government's lack of ability to live up to commitments that call for a just and inclusive peace process."
