JERUSALEM -- Israel should not ignore peace overtures from Syria, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Wednesday, urging Syrian leader Bashar Assad to prove his intentions.
The direct appeal to Assad appears to be the most positive Israeli response yet to Syria's recent statements that it seeks to resume negotiations.
"Every peace overture from Arab leaders is positive. So we should welcome Assad's call for peace. It is forbidden turn away the hand of peace," he said.
Until now, Israeli reaction has been lukewarm, with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insisting that Syria first close the headquarters of Palestinian militant groups in Damascus and end its support for other militant groups.
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