Assad wants Turkey involved in peace talks

DAMASCUS, Syria, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Turkey must play a vital role in peace talks between Israel and Syria, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Monday after meeting France's Middle East envoy.

Assad told visiting French envoy Jean-Claude Cousseran Syria is committed to achieving a "just and comprehensive peace " based on international resolutions," the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

The president stressed the importance of coordinating with Turkey to build on what was achieved through earlier indirect talks it mediated between Israel and Syria, the news agency said.

The indirect talks came to a halt when Israel launched a three-week offensive in Gaza in December 2008.

Assad said he hoped to see real developments in the peace process, even though Israeli policies don't reflect that, SANA said.

The Syrian president said he appreciated France's efforts to move the peace process forward.

Cousseran delivered a letter from French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Assad, and expressed hope the two countries will increase their cooperation due to Syria's key role in any Middle East peace settlement, SANA said.

In the past, Syria said it would agree to resume indirect peace talks with Israel under Turkey's mediation.