Press Availability with Israeli President Shimon Peres

PRESIDENT PERES: (Inaudible) I think there is a window of opportunity (inaudible) opportunity but we don't get to close our eyes to the many difficulties inherent (inaudible). Over the last 60 years, Israel went through seven wars and 20 battles and we have two full-fledged peace agreements and two partial peace agreements, which means that every seven years we have had to face a war and every 15 years we were able to achieve a peace, which demonstrates how difficult it is to launch a -- to make peace and how fast it may come in one (inaudible). You are working, I think, on that issue almost (inaudible) years -- (laughter) -- and I'm sure that the energy and the talent and the will that you invest in it is absolutely commendable. And I hope you will continue (inaudible) the same way.

To sum up, I think the interest of all parties -- Israel, the Palestinians, the Arabs, including the United States -- is not to let the proposed conference to fail, but make it into a real success and an opening occasion. I think this is the purpose and all of us have to cooperate in order to make it a success. Thank you.

SECRETARY RICE: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President, for welcoming me back. And indeed, this is a time to be optimistic but hardworking, recognizing that we have many obstacles to overcome, much hard work to do. But I do know that there is a spirit, a spirit and a desire to move toward peace. I think that spirit and desire is clearly evident here in Israel. I expect to see it evident when I speak with the Palestinians just shortly. I believe that it is there in much of the Arab world and certainly for the international community. And so we can build on those desires for peace. We can work hard. And thank you very much for not only the wise counsel that you're giving during these times, but for the wise counsel that you've given me over the many years. Look forward to working with you.

Thank you.

2007/T16-3