JERUSALEM, June 6 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday said he's willing to negotiate directly with Syria without pre-conditions.
Olmert was asked about opening talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad during a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Ynetnews reported. That meeting dealt with Israel's defense of its northern border and a briefing on the situation in Syria and Lebanon by Israeli intelligence services, Ynetnews said.
Reports indicated that while Syria has amassed a large military presence, there's no sign Damascus plans to attack the Jewish state.
"I'm willing to negotiate directly with the Syrians, but without preconditions," Olmert said.
Olmert has created a special ministerial subcommittee to discuss Syrian intentions and a possible dialogue, Ynetnews reported.
The Jerusalem Post said Olmert spoke by phone with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Tuesday and had postponed a scheduled meeting Thursday with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
