Peres: We'll aim to set final borders

In a Tel Aviv speech, Peres says Kadima will attempt to reach final-status peace agreement, adds Israel needs a strong political Center to make tough decisions

January 14, 2006

The next government will attempt to strike a final-status peace deal with the Palestinians in order to set Israel's permanent borders and put an end to terror, Knesset Member Shimon Peres said in a business convention in Tel Aviv Friday.

"I spoke now with Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and we agreed on one major thing, to try and set final borders in the upcoming term, a situation that would put an end to the double conflict with the Palestinians on the one hand and with terrorism on the other hand," Peres said.

The Middle East is approaching a fork in the road – either becoming fanatical-Shiite-terrorist or modern and sane," Peres said. "Arik (Prime Minister Ariel Sharon) surprised me in a positive way, he said 'we're both no longer little kids and four years is plenty of time.' With Ehud (Olmert) I found an even bigger drive to reach a peace deal."

Referring to the prime minister's decision to establish Kadima, Peres said "Sharon's departure from the Likud is no less important than Israel's exit from Gaza. That's why I also took that step. As you know, before I made my decision I held thorough talks with Arik, who I wish a complete recovery."

Peres also spoke about Israel's political arena and said only a strong Center could bring peace.

"We must have a political spine that will allow for the implementation of decisions," he said. "If the political situation would have remained the way it is now, we would be going nowhere."

"In recent years a situation emerged where radical rightist, radical leftist and anti-religious parties became powerful," Peres added. "We need a renewed political Center so we can take decisions…today there's an opportunity to create a political Center not in accordance with marginal whims."

'No need to divide Jerusalem'

Turning his attention to the possibility Hamas will win the upcoming Palestinian elections, Peres repeated Israel's position rejecting talks with the Islamic terror group.

"If Hamas is elected it would be a Palestinian problem, not our problem," he said. "We won't sit down to the negotiating table with an organization that will come with bombs and the call to exterminate the people of Israel. I don't see anyone in the world assisting the Palestinians under such circumstances."

"If Hamas is elected chaos will ensue and then the Palestinians will have to think harder," he said.

Regarding talk about dividing Jerusalem as part of a future peace deal, Peres said "the controversy over Jerusalem can be resolved even without dividing it."

"I'm not at all convinced Jerusalem should be divided," he said. "In my view, any situation can be resolved through creative ideas."

SOURCE: YNet News