The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Paris

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel hopes to have direct contacts with Syria soon.

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

Olmert said in Paris on Sunday that he hopes "it will soon become direct contacts."

Syria's President Bashar Assad said Saturday that the talks could move toward direct contact but suggested that would not happen until there is a new U.S. 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.