Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres played down on Sunday prospects for relaunching talks with Syria over a land-for-peace deal.
Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz on Sunday became the second top minister to confirm that the government has approached Syria about the possibility of renewing peace talks.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell recommends the United States engage in talks with Syria, Iran and other Middle East nations.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has reportedly denied having contact with Syria or considering peace talks with the Arab nation.
Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres played down on Sunday the possibilities of re-opening peace negotiations with Syria, stressing that Damascus is not ready for direct talks, local daily Ha'aretz reported.
Syria and Cyprus on Sunday signed an agreement on protecting and encouraging mutual investment which permits facilitation of adopting decisions by investors in both countries, the official SANA news agency reported.
Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Sunday became the second top minister to confirm that the government has approached Syria about the possibility of renewing peace talks. However, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres played down on Sunday prospects for relaunching talks with Syria over a land-for-peace deal.
Reform and Change parliamentary bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan over the weekend that Syria should fulfill its obligation to "control its border." In an interview with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday, Kanaan said a statement delivered by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem last month was a "condemnation" of Syria.
President George W. Bush said on Saturday Syria should stop disrupting the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Israel has put out secret feelers to Syria, but has not received a response, Israel's deputy prime minister confirmed Saturday.