Israel calls for peace talks with Syria

JERUSALEM, July 6 (UPI) -- Syria's President Bashar Assad won't receive the Golan Heights on a silver platter if he continues ties with Iran and Hezbollah, Israel's President warned.

It is time for Assad to make a strategic decision, President Shimon Peres told visiting German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier in Jerusalem Monday.

"Israel will not allow the Golan Heights to become a platform for Hezbollah missile launchers," Peres was quoted saying in a statement released by his spokeswoman.

Peres asked the German foreign minister to convey a message to the Syrian President when he visits Damascus. Peres said Israel seeks peace with all its neighbors, and "is willing to embark on immediate negotiations without any preconditions." Israel stands before a "historical window of opportunity in its pursuance of peace," a chance that should not be missed, Peres was quoted as saying.

Peres informed the German foreign minister of the significant changes made in the West Bank including the removal of 25 out of 41 Israeli military checkpoints. Peres praised Europe's efforts in training the Palestinian Police force deployed in the West Bank.

Steinmeier told Peres the only way to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East is for the sides to sit together at the negotiating table and discuss the two state solution while maintaining "Israel's security needs."