FM Peres Holds Diplomatic Contacts in Johannesburg
(Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau)
Jerusalem, 2 September 2002

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres met
today (2 September) in Johannesburg with the Prime Ministers of
Italy, Holland, Belgium and Russia, as well as the Indian Foreign
Minister and the Jordanian Planning Minister.

While attending the World Summit for Sustainable Development in
Johannesburg, Mr. Peres met on Monday with Italian Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi and updated him regarding the peace process. Mr.
Berlusconi stated that unanimity of views was achieved for the first
time at the recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers with regard to
Israel's situation and the paths forward to a solution. Foreign
Minister Peres noted that progress has been achieved in the
Palestinian reform program in the realms of finance and economy, and
presented the list of measures taken by Israel to improve conditions
for the Palestinian population. Mr. Peres stated that the problem is
not the need for yet another peace plan, but rather, the need for a
reliable partner who will be able to take control of the situation
and conduct the lives of the Palestinians through fiscal transparency
and democracy. To achieve this, Peres noted, the Palestinian side
requires a uniform chain of command, which will prevent any radical
organization from destroying the agenda with their guns and bombs.

Also today (2 September), Minister Peres met with the Prime Ministers
of Holland, Belgium, and Russia, as well as the Foreign Minister of
India. In his meetings, Mr. Peres noted that a number of reforms are
necessary for the benefit of the future of the Palestinians,
including the establishment of fiscal transparency, a unified command
over armed forces and democratization. Minister Peres further stated
that a genuine internal debate is now taking place among the
Palestinians, over whether the 'Intifadah' has gained any tangible
achievements or has only caused a lost opportunity. Mr. Peres added
in the absence of terrorism, it would have been possible to achieve
an accord within a very short period of time.

In his meeting with the Prime Minister of Holland, Minister Peres
noted with appreciation the Dutch assistance to the Palestinians in
the realm of floral and strawberry exports as well as other areas,
stating the Israel as well attached great importance to a flourishing
Palestinian economy.

In his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Foreign
Minister Peres conveyed Israel's concerns over Iranian attempts to
achieve a nuclear option, stating that nuclear weapons in the hands
of a fanatic religious regime would endanger the entire world. Mr.
Peres noted that since Iranian petroleum is bountiful, Iran has no
need for nuclear energy for peaceful use, and seeks only a capability
to produce nuclear weapons. Minister Peres also discussed
Israeli-Russian relations, stressing the importance of cultural,
scientific and commercial ties, which amount to about $900 million a
year.

In addition, Minister Peres met today (2 September) with Jordanian
Minister for National Planning Bassem Awadallah, and discussed with
him the promotion of joint Israeli-Jordanian projects, especially the
plan for a canal linking the Red Sea and the Dead Sea.

Israel Johannesburg summit website:
http://www.johannesburgsummit.israel.org