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Syrian President Bashar Assad, third from left, meets in Damascus on Wednesday May 21, 2008 a delegation of the Syrian-Turkish Friendship Association headed by Mohamed Shandar who handed a letter from Turkish President Abdullah Gul on bilateral relations. Israel and Syria on Wednesday said they are holding indirect peace talks through Turkish mediators - the first official confirmation of contacts between the longtime enemies. In statements issued minutes apart, the two governments said they "have declared their intent to conduct these talks in good faith and with an open mind," with a goal of reaching "a comprehensive peace." Both nations thanked Turkey for its help, and Turkey issued its own confirmation. Muslim Turkey has good ties with both Israel and Syria. (AP PHOTO /SANA)