Israel sets up group to examine possible talks with Syria

Israel on Sunday said it had formed a ministerial working group on Syria, in what is seen as a first step towards the possible renewal of peace talks that have been stalled for more than six years. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni established the group "to raise all the issues and interests of Syria vis-a-vis Israel and make a diplomatic assessment," her ministry said in a statement.

It said group's work was not related to "any type of negotiations" with Damascus.

But according to local media, the group will submit a report on the chances of renewing peace talks with Syria.

Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that Israel should prepare for talks with Syria. "Every war creates opportunities for a broadened political process ... We must establish talks with Lebanon and prepare the conditions for a dialogue with Syria," Peretz said.