In the light of the recurring calls by the Syrian President for opening negotiations regarding a peace agreement with Israel, Peace Now demands that the Government of Israel respond immediately to this call. A peace agreement based on secure and recognized borders, and normalizing relations between the two states, is a strategic need for the Israeli and the Syrian people.

Renewed negotiations with Syria are the key to the initiation of negotiations with Lebanon, and will certainly contribute to the creation of a new international climate in the area.

We call on the Government of Israel to respond positively to this call. Let us avoid the repetition of past failures and the tragic consequences of agreement to negotiate only after bloody wars.