Olmert to push for more Syria talks, despite upcoming elections

A spokesman for Ehud Olmert said the prime minister believes peace talks with Syria should continue even though elections are pending. Mark Regev said Olmert "sees importance in the continuation of the dialogue" with Syria. Negotiators have held four rounds of indirect talks through Turkish mediators, but contacts have been suspended for months because of the political upheaval. According to reports Friday, Olmert plans to ask Turkey next week to arrange another round of talks. Regev did not deny the reports but would not comment further.