Israel, Syria begin negotiations in earnest on peace deal

Under a compromise deal brokered by the Americans, two teams of negotiators met for face-to-face talks to look into security arrangements and steps to restore ties, between the two nations that are even now officially at a state of war. American officials were present on both occasions. Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the mood at the talks as frosty.

Two other committees that are to look into Israel’s access to fresh waters of the Galilee Sea after return of the Golan Heights captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war and the Israel-Syrian borders have not been convened yet.

In Washington, state department spokesman James Rubin told reporters at a press briefing that the talks were proceeding at a very slow pace and Clinton could join the two sides in a bid to impart the talks the much-needed momentum.

Rubin was cautiously optimistic about the talks saying the discussions were "constructive, businesslike and positive, given the complex and sensitive nature of the negotiations. We are chugging along and not on the fast track yet."