Israel Held Secret Talks With Syria

Syria initiated a round of secret talks around the time of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Syria proposed the talks to Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom through a secret channel and, after consulting with Prime Minister Sharon, the decision was made to take advantage of the offer. Confidantes and relatives of President Bashar Assad represented Syria, the Israeli representatives were not disclosed. When news of the meeting was leaked, the contacts ended and Syria denied there was ever any meetings.