Mitchell in Israel
Photo: AP
Peres to Mitchell: Security is important
On backdrop of delay in proximity talks with Palestinians, president stresses to US envoy importance of resolving security issues, cites thousands of rockets fired at Israel after Gaza pullout
Security is important to Israel – look what happened after the Gaza pullout. This is the main message President Shimon Peres conveyed to US special envoy George Mitchell in their meeting in Jerusalem on Friday.
The President told Mitchell there is great importance in resolving the security issues at the base of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, mainly in light of the outcome of the Gaza pullout, which was followed by thousands of rockets being fired at Israeli towns.
Peres' office said the two both expressed the importance of the proximity talks.
Meanwhile, the Palestinians have yet to confirm the start of the talks, which Mitchell is meant to mediate. The final decision will only be made after the Fatah Central Committee meeting on Saturday.
Mitchell (L) with Peres on Friday (Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO)
At the start of their meeting, Peres stressed that Israel is committed to peace and to the implementation of the principle of two states for two peoples.
Peres told Mitchell that Israel hopes for an agreement and historic reconciliation with the Palestinians, which would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Peres' office said the atmosphere in the meeting was positive.
On Wednesday, Israeli officials accused the Palestinians of delaying the peace process, by refraining from announcing the start of indirect talks.
Ministers and other officials were skeptical as to both parties' ability to make any progress under the current circumstances. "We are waiting for Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas). As far as we are concerned, the preparations are complete," a Prime Minister's Office source said on Wednesday.
Mitchell and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday, in what was defined as a "good and constructive work meeting". Netanyahu's media advisor, Nir Hefetz said at the end of the meeting, "The prime minister and Senator Mitchell met for a three-hour work meeting and decided to meet again."
