Hopeful about peace - Peres
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Peres to Abbas: Don't quit without peace
President Peres tells Abbas PM Netanyahu can be trusted, urges PA leader to secure peace deal
President Shimon Peres spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the phone Thursday, assuring him that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a partner who can be trusted."
Earlier, Abbas called Netanyahu to wish him a Shana Tova on the occasion of the Jewish New Year. However, the two leaders did not discuss any political issues, as opposed to the talk between Peres and Abbas later in the day.
During that conversation, Peres urged Abbas not to quit before achieving peace, adding that "nobody is more fitting than you to secure peace for your people and for the entire region."
The Palestinian president responded: "We're serious, and our goal is to reach a peace agreement as soon as possible."
At the beginning of the conversation Abbas offered Peres his well-wishes, adding: "I hope that next year, when I call again, comprehensive peace shall already prevail in our region."
Peres thanked Abbas for the warm wishes and said: "I'm taking the opportunity to wish you and all Muslims well on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, and I share your hope for peace."
