Erdal Safak, a columnist for the Turkish daily Sabah, comments on Syrian-Israeli peace talks and Turkey's mediation in them. The writer says Turkey has gained prestige in the world.

'Turkey has gained prestige' - 22 / 05 / 2008 13:56

Syrian-Israeli peace talks which had been continuing through Turkey's mediation and secret diplomacy were made official following yesterday's simultaneous four-sentence statement in three capitals.

 According to statements made in Ankara, Damascus and Jerusalem; Syria and Israel have initiated peace talks through Turkey's mediation, both parties indicated that they would continue these talks with good will and open-mindedly, they have decided to conduct the dialogue decisively and continuously in order to reach a comprehensive and peaceful goal as part of principles of the Madrid Conference and both parties finally thanked Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey for their role and hospitality during this process.

Shalom Turgeman and Yoram Turbowicz, advisors to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who have conducted secret talks, firstly met with prime Minister's chief advisor Professor Ahmet Davudoglu and officials from the Foreign Ministry who are appointed for this purpose.

Then the Syrian delegation, chaired by Samir Taki, met with Davudoglu and officials from the Foreign Ministry. After technical problems were solved and an agreement was reached as part of negotiations following these indirect contacts, parties sat at the table for official meetings.

We consider the possibility of a peace agreement between Syria and Israel higher than the past. Our optimism is based on two reasons:

1. Two countries convinced each other that they really want peace during the shuttle diplomacy conducted by Davudoglu. Damascus responded all the questions of Jerusalem clearly and openly.

2- Nearly 85 percent of problems between Syria and Israel were solved thanks to previous initiatives and even former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak were very close to a peace agreement at the beginning of 2000. When Syria wanted the 400-meter coastal strip by the Taberiye Lake, Barak left the table. You might think that one shouldn't miss the opportunity of peace for a 400-meter territory, but that coastal line will provide Israel's access to Taberiye Lake, where it can meet 40 percent of its water needs.

Of course, there are certain factors casting a shadow on optimism. For example, Olmert's position is on the rocks due to claims that he has accepted a bribe from an American businessman, because he stated that he would resign, if he was accused formally. Ehud Barak is considered the candidate with the highest chances of becoming the prime minister in a possible election. He's the one who rejected a chance of peace during talks in 2000!

As for Turkey's position, of course, Ankara can't conduct Syrian-Israeli peace talks all by itself. It will be inevitable for the US, even other important actors such as the European Union and Russia, to intervene in the process and undertake the responsibility after a certain point.

By the way, Turkey, as the only country enjoying the confidence of two countries, has already gained a trump card in the EU and prestige in the world.

 If negotiations end with a peace agreement to change balances and dynamics in the Middle East, Turkey's power and prestige will reach extraordinary and fascinating dimensions, because the postulate of 'a dialogue can't be made without Turkey,' will be added to the rule that 'a war without Egypt and a peace without Syria can't happen in the Middle East'."