Israel-Syria talk prospects hit impasse

JERUSALEM, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Diplomats say attempts to open diplomatic channels between Israel and Syria have faltered despite the efforts of Turkey and Germany to facilitate the contacts.

Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported Israel attempted to open direct contact with Syrian President Bashar Assad but reached an impasse over agenda items for such direct communication.

"The bottom line was a negative one," a European diplomat told the paper.

At a Thursday press conference, U.S. President George Bush said he has lost patience with Syria and again warned Damascus to stay out of Lebanon, which is in the midst of a presidential election crisis.

"My patience ran out on President Assad a long time ago," Bush said. "The reason why is because he houses Hamas, he facilitates Hezbollah, suiciders go from his country into Iraq and he destabilizes Lebanon."