Syrian diplomat: Olmert gov't not peace partner

"Prime Minster Ehud Olmert's defeated and weak government is not a partner for negotiations," a senior Syrian diplomat said Friday in response to a report that Olmert was willing to hold direct peace negotiations with Syria and give up the Golan Heights. Army Radio reported that in an interview the diplomat gave to a Syrian newspaper, he said that Damascus had not received an invitation from Washington or from any other officials to renew negotiations.