Peretz: Israeli diplomatic initiative based on talks with Abaas

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-20-2007 09:49

Israeli Defense Minister, Amir Peretz is calling for peace talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, breaking with his Premier Ehud Olmert, who says contact should be limited to humanitarian issues.

The Israeli Premier says the new Palestinian unity government, which took office on Saturday, cannot be a partner to Israel if it does not recognize it.

Speaking in Jerusalem at a ceremony awarding scholarships to soldiers, Peretz said that an Israeli initiative would show that Israel wants peace.

Amir Peretz said, "I believe Israel must initiate diplomatic moves and not just respond. We must launch an Israeli diplomatic initiative that is based on negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about a permanent solution. This kind of proposition will show the world that we want peace."

Further to this, dozens of Jewish settlers, escorted by Israeli security, moved into a Palestinian building near the volatile West Bank city of Hebron. They say they purchased the house legally from Palestinians, wanting the new location to be a good neighborhood.

Noam Arnon, representative for Jewish settlers, said, "We call upon all the neighbors here to accept everyone here as a good neighbor and we hope this house will be a house of peace."

The divided city of Hebron is a frequent flashpoint. Israel controls the center, where about 500 settlers live in heavily-guarded enclaves among about 160,000 Palestinians and the Palestinians control the remaining areas.

Editor:Du Xiaodan