Italy is seeking to play mediator in peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon – visiting Italian Foreign Franco Frattini told President Shimon Peres as the two met in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon.
Peres responded by saying Israel "has always offered its hand in peace to those who want it."
Frattini has a series of meetings scheduled for his visit with most of Israel's political echelon.
In his official residence in Jerusalem, Peres added that "Lebanon must be independent, democratic and free of foreign influence," – the president was referring to Syrian and Iranian involvement in Lebanese affairs by using Hizbullah as a proxy – "I have always believed that there are no contradicting interests between Israel and Lebanon, no true conflict."
Peres told the Italian minister that he views the launching of such talks "in a positive light," but said there were of course be some reservations on Israel's part.
Frattini praised the renewed peace process between Israel and Syria through Turkish mediation, and said Italy would be willing to aid the efforts.
"I call on the Syrian leadership to advance the negotiations with Israel, for Israel is serious in its intentions," Frattini told Peres, adding that Rome intends to promote direct peace talks between Israel and Lebanon.
"We stand before a rare window of opportunity and are obligated to make the most of it. There is no reason why Israel should not engage all of its neighbors in peace negotiations, including Lebanon," the Italian minister said.
Frattini said he plans to relay the message directly to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora once Beirut completes the process of putting together its new government.
On the Palestinian front the Italian minister noted that PA President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Italy this coming weekend to promote economic and academic ventures for the Palestinian Authority in the hopes of promoting peace through citizens and not through government.
He also welcomed Peres' initiative to cooperate on the rehabilitation of archeological sites in Israel from the Roman period, such as the amphitheater in Caesarea and excavated sites in Beit She'an and Tiberius.
Frattini said Italy's culture and tourism ministers intend to promote such efforts as part of their goals of strengthening ties between the two countries.
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