Olmert exit could affect Israel talks-Syrian envoy

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Syria's ambassador to the United Nations said on Wednesday the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could affect Syria's indirect peace talks with its arch foe Israel.

Asked if Olmert's announcement could have an impact on the talks, which have been brokered by Turkey, Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told Reuters: "It could do. I hope not."

Earlier on Wednesday a source close to the talks said in Istanbul that the two countries will hold a new round of indirect talks in Turkey in mid-August after failing to move on to face-to-face negotiations.

(Reporting by Louis Charbonneau; editing by Mohammad Zargham)