Olmert Hopes for Direct Talks With Syria

PARIS —i Prime Minister Olmert says Israel hopes to have direct contacts with Syria soon.

The rival neighbors have been holding indirect talks mediated by Turkey.

Mr. Olmert said at Paris today that he hopes "it will soon become direct contacts."

President Bashar Assad of Syria said yesterday that the talks could move toward direct contact but suggested that would not happen until there is a new American president in place.

Both leaders are in Paris for a summit of some 40 leaders from around the Mediterranean region. The Israel-Syria tensions are a key thorn in the Union for the Mediterranean.