FACTBOX: Reaction to Israel-Syria talks

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Following are comments from regional and international figures after Israel and Syria said in surprise announcements on Wednesday they were conducting indirect peace talks with Turkish mediation.

MARIE OKABE, U.N. SPOKESWOMAN

"The Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) welcomes today's announcement confirming that Syria and Israel have started indirect peace talks, under the auspices of Turkey, aimed at a comprehensive peace in accordance with the Madrid Conference terms of reference for peace.

He commends President Assad and Prime Minister Olmert for taking this important step and thanks Prime Minister Erdogan for his efforts."

DANA PERINO, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESWOMAN

"The United States is not participating. This decision was undertaken by Israel, we were not surprised by it, and we do not object to it.

"We hope that this is a forum to address various concerns we all have with Syria -- Syria's support of terrorism, repression of its own people, and so we will see how this progresses."

DAVID WELCH, SENIOR US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL

"I think Turkey played a good and useful role in this regard. Israel and Turkey have apprised us in the past of these discussions and kept us informed."

MARC OTTE, EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

PEACE PROCESS

"I welcome what appears to be encouraging news about the Israeli-Syrian track.

"The Turkish government has to be commended for its efforts to facilitate contacts between the two parties. The EU has always supported a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict and continues to work in this direction."

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI PRESIDENT

"Those are preliminary contacts, and I think every contact that leads in the direction of peace should be welcomed. Yet the value of it is still too early to judge, it's a beginning, we have to see how it's going to be developed and proceeded in the future."

MAHMOUD ABBAS, PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT