By NNN-KUNA,
United Nations : Israeli President Shimon Peres has acknowledged that peace with the Palestinians will not be reached this year and predicted that a more realistic deadline will be next year, calling at the same time on Arab leaders to visit Jerusalem or to meet with them anywhere in the world to discuss peace.
“We tried to conclude the negotiations this year. It will take longer. But, I believe it can be accomplished within the next year,” Peres told the UN General Assembly Wednesday.
“Gaps have been narrowed through negotiatins. Particularly the territorial ones. But peace is not just a matter of territorial compromise,” he added.
He noted that “we (Israelis and Palestinians) agreed to progress in spite of possible changes that may take place in the leadership.”
He insisted that Israel will continue to seek peace. “We suggest immediate peace with Lebanon.”
On Syria, he said Israeli prime ministers indicated that for peace, “we are ready to explore a comprehensive compromise,” adding that “in order to gain trust, and save time, we have suggested face-to-face meetings with President (Bashar) Assad. Follow the successful example set by (the late) President (of Egypt Anwar) Sadat and (the late) King Hussein (of Jordan). We still await an answer.”
He admitted that “there is growing concern that peace is far away … True, I have seen stagnation and regression in our journey. But, today, I can identify a road leading to the right direction.”
He invited all Arab leaders to go to Jerusalem and discuss peace, reminding them that Jerusalem is holy to “all of us.” At the same time, he said that Israel will “gladly accept” an Arab invitation at a designated venue where a meaningful dialogue may take place.
On Iran, he said “it built a danger to the entire world. Its quest for religious hegemony and regional domicance divides the Middle East and holds back chances for peace, while underminsing human rights.” He blamed Iran whose support to Hezbollah divided Lebanon and support to Hamas split the Palestinians, thus postponing the establishment of the Palestinian state.
He insisted that the Iranian people are “not our enemies. Their fanatic leadership is their problem and the world’s concern.”