Report: Israel-Syria pact more likely

JERUSALEM, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Syria would be willing to cut ties to Iran for a peace agreement with Israel, an Israeli newspaper reports.

Maariv said that Israeli representatives to talks mediated by Turkey are hopeful that Syria and Israel are close to agreement, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Post said it could not confirm Maariv's story.

Under an agreement, the two countries would end the state of war that has existed for years and begin normal diplomatic relations. Israel would withdraw from the Golan Heights, Syria would reduce the number of troops stationed between the Golan and the capital, Damascus, and an early warning station would be established on Mount Hermon under international control.

The envoys told Maariv that the relationship between Syrian President Bashir Assad and the Iranian government headed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has already become chillier because of Syria's participation in the talks.