Assad: Syria wants Golan, up to Tiberias
JPost.com Staff , THE JERUSALEM POST Jun. 3, 2008
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Syrian President Bashar Assad vowed on Monday never to give up his demand
that the entire Golan Heights be returned to Syrian control, all the way up
"to Tiberias."

"With regards to the issue of water - there are international laws which
deal with these kinds of matters," Assad told reporters during a press
conference in the United Arab Emirates. "But if the question of water means
that Syria will give up on its condition of stability - sticking to the '67
borders all the way to Tiberias - we will never compromise on the 1967
borders."

Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations "will need international sponsorship in
later stages of talks, particularly from the US," Bashar continued,
explaining that the US was in an important position due to its status as a
world power and its special and strong connections with Israel. But the
Syrian president stressed that talks were still in preliminary stages.

Asked on Syria's position in the event that Iran is attacked by Western
powers, the Syrian leader said Syria did not intend to get involved in a
war. He added that if war breaks out, the main casualties would be Iran's
neighbors. He added that he had made this clear to the US.

Finally, on the issue of Syria's nuclear aspirations, Assad said Syria was
interested in a peaceful program to develop nuclear energy. But he said the
nation would advance such a program through the Arab League when the time
comes.

Meanwhile, speaking during a tour of the Golan Heights on Tuesday,
Transporation Minister Shaul Mofaz warned of the consequences of giving the
region back to Syria, saying that it would in effect allow Iran a military
presence right on the border with Israel.

"As of today, the renewal of indirect talks with Syria is important in and
of itself," Mofaz said, but added that "distance between speaking and giving
something up is very long. Handing over the Golan to Syria, would in effect
mean the Iranians here, in the Golan Heights."

Mofaz added that Israel cannot "sign on an agreement until we know for
certain that Syria wants real peace." Until then, he said, "the Golan will
remain in Israel."