President Peres meets with Italian President Napolitano

President Peres: Even today we can achieve a comprehensive peace between us
and the Palestinians. A unilateral declaration will only increase the
instability in the region."

(Communicated by the Communications Department Office of the President of
Israel)

President Peres with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (Photo: Mark
Neuman/GPO)

President Peres hosted a reception and working meeting today (Sunday, May 15
2011) with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano who is visiting Israel on an
official visit. At the conclusion of the meeting the two held a joint press
conference in the presence of the Italian Foreign Minister and senior
advisers to the President.

President Peres opened the press conference by stating that specifically
now, with all the changes taking place in the Middle East, it is the time to
return to the negotiating table and to continue what was started - to enable
the Palestinians to build their own state with a strong emphasis on Israel's
security needs.
"I believe that we can reach a peace agreement. The gaps between the sides
are small and can be closed," said Peres. He added that a unilateral
declaration of statehood by the Palestinians in the UN is not the right
thing to do for either side and will only increase the animosity and
instability in the region. President Peres called on his counterpart to
continue to voice his support, loudly and clearly, for direct negotiations
between the sides to end the conflict.
"Europe as a central part of the Quartet, set very clear conditions for the
Hamas - namely to renounce terror, honor all signed agreements, and
recognize the State of Israel - and these principles should be enforced,"
said Peres.

Jokingly, President Peres said to his guest: "The relations between Israel
and Italy are excellent, and if I can be a little romantic I would say - we
love Italy and we love the Italian people." The President used the
opportunity to thank the Italian Foreign Minister , who is accompanying the
President on his visit, for the positions Italy has taken on current and
relevant issues.

President Napolitano said in his statement: "Relations between the two
countries are excellent and there is a fundamental basis for a full
understanding to guarantee the existence and security of the State of
Israel. Italy's position is for direct negotiations between Israel and the
Palestinians." He also said that Italy recognizes the progress that has
already taken place and expressed hope that in the coming months there will
be new possibilities to advance towards these goals.

President Napolitano commented on the uprisings in the Middle East and
expressed agreement with President Peres' view of the situation in North
Africa. Italy is hopeful but does not underestimate the complexity of the
current situation. There are real issues of freedom and social justice and
both Italy and the European Union have taken upon themselves a commitment
regarding democracy and social progress in the Middle East a long time ago,
he said.

When asked about "Nakba Day," President Napolitano said: "Italy supports
Israel's right to exist and to reside in security in the Middle East. We
recognize the UN decision to establish the State of Israel historically and
the Arab countries who signed peace agreements with Israel also recognized
this."