Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad released a message that President Shimon Peres sent a letter to Damascus via Russian President Dmitry Medvedev offering an Israeli retreat from the Golan Heights if Syria agrees to cut ties with Iran.

Officials in the President’s Office deny the report, explaining the Syrian leader apparently has released an inaccurate message, confirming that during his visit to Russia recently, Mr. Peres called on the Russian leader to convey a message that Israeli is genuinely interested in peace with Syria.

Syria continues to express a willingness to enter into diplomatic talks with Israel on the condition that Israel agrees to a total withdrawal from the Golan ahead of such talks.

The Golan was liberated by Israel in the June 1967 Six Day War, and has since been annexed as part of the country, unlike the areas throughout Yehuda and Shomron which remain “the territories” by Israel. All of the liberated areas, including the Jordan Valley and significant portions of Yerushalayim are viewed as “Israeli occupied” by the international community.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)