Mideast summit will not discuss Golan

JERUSALEM, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the fate of the Golan Heights will not be discussed at the upcoming peace summit in Annapolis, Md.

Olmert told Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan during a meeting Monday that only issues related to the Palestinians will be discussed at the summit in November, despite Turkey's suggestion that the conflict with Syria over the Golan Heights be included in the talks, Haaretz reported Tuesday.

"I am happy with Syria's invitation to the summit, but only if it wants to be involved in our negotiations with the Palestinians. It would be wrong to include other issues," Olmert said.

Babacan also urged Olmert to open dialogue with Syria, despite the country's alliance with Iran.

"Syria is ready for dialogue and should not be isolated," the Turkish minister said. "There must be a way to negotiate with them. The only reason why Syria is allied with Iran is the international boycott that had been imposed on it. The two countries have nothing else in common."

However, Olmert said dialogue with Syria will not be opened until the country ceases to support terrorist organizations.