Abbas, Peres call for Shalit's release

President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Tuesday in the presidential residence in Jerusalem. The two issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

The visit – the first by a Palestinian official in the presidential residence – enraged right-wing politicians, who criticized Abbas for congratulating Samir Kuntar's family upon the latter's release from prison.

Kuntar was set fee as part of the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hizbullah, meant to secure the release of IDF captives Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser.

Abbas received a warm welcome in the presidential residence, and the subsequent statement issued by the two figures covered various diplomatic and security issues.

"There is a ceasefire in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and we are all for it," said Abbas. "I oppose rocket fire. I oppose the killing of innocent people. We are also opposed to Gilad Shalit's captivity and we believe he should be freed in exchange for other prisoners. This is the way this matter can be resolved."

Peres then added that "the one thing Israelis find most distressing is Gilad Shalit's obscure fate. The fate of this one soldier validates the ethics and morals we were all brought up by."

Despite the difficulties, continued the president, the relationship between the Israelis and Palestinians has progressed greatly over the past 15 years.

"I never would have imagined us meeting like this. The feud between our peoples is decades long, but we have never lost hope. We will continue to weather all adversities and we will reach out goal of understanding, respect, economic prosperity and tolerance.

"After all, even the political Right has come to the conclusion that the two-state solution is best," concluded Peres.

Abbas, on his part, urged the acceleration of the peace process: "Sixty years is long enough. We have to end the feud. You, President Peres, were the one who began our negotiations 15 years ago and I hope that with your help we would be able to see it come to its end.

"I make no attempt to conceal the many difficulties and hurdles we have encountered along the way. We are deeply concerned about the settlements and the unnecessary checkpoints; and we are just as concerned by the constant unnecessary entries to out cities.

"All I can hope for is that we are able to sit down and reach an agreement on Jerusalem, the borders, the refugees and the issue of water," said Abbas.

"Our thoughts are with future generations, the better life we wish to give our children and grandchildren. We can do it, we have the chance. We must not let it slip away."

Upon signing the presidential guest book, the Palestinian president wrote: "I'm happy to have met my dear friend. I've come here to discuss the variety of subjects we need to agree on in order to achieve peace and a Palestinian state which will exist peacefully alongside Israel."