Olmert sees need for direct Israel-Syria talks "soon"

EILAT, Israel (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Thursday peace talks between Israel and Syria, now mediated by Turkey, will have to be conducted face-to-face "very soon".

"With the Syrians, we are talking seriously and in my estimation very soon the negotiations will have to be direct. They will not be able to continue in the mode in which they are currently being held," Olmert told an economic conference in the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat.