01-09-2006

SHIMON PERES: WITH OR WITHOUT SHARON, ISRAEL WILL STICK TO HIS CENTRIST APPROACH

Shimon Peres is a former prime minister and foreign minister of Israel. He spoke with Global Viewpoint editor Nathan Gardels on Monday, Jan. 9.

By Shimon Peres

Nathan Gardels: When, as head of the Labor Party, you first entered the governing coalition with Ariel Sharon and Likud, you told me that he had not “become a new man, but awoke to a new day” — namely the demographic reality of the Palestinians one day overwhelming the Jewish state.

Whether Sharon remains prime minister or not, doesn’t this reality remain for any party or coalition that wants to govern Israel?

Shimon Peres: Yes, absolutely. That’s right. Kadima (the new centrist party Sharon recently founded, of which Peres is a member) came our way ideologically. Its political outlook is now the same as mine when I headed the Labor Party — the need for a Palestinian state, partition and continued negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

For that reason, I intend to stay with Kadima and not return to Labor. I believe we will win the election because the position of Kadima is the only realistic course, and it is supported by the majority of Israelis.

Gardels: Do you support the idea that Palestinians in East Jerusalem should not be allowed to vote in the Jan. 25 elections for the Palestinian Authority?

Peres: There are enough problems now. Let’s not make anymore problems right now before their elections.

Gardels: Many analysts fear Hamas will make a big showing in the upcoming Palestinian elections, undermining Fatah as your negotiating partner. Do you share that worry?

Peres: If Hamas remains a terrorist organization, the Palestinians will lose. Nobody will feel safe with them going around with bombs in their hands. Nobody around the world will support the Palestinians if a party of violence and terror represents them. So, Hamas has to make their choice.

Fatah will win the majority because their outlook is closest to the political reality. Palestinians know that.

Gardels: Irrespective of Prime Minister Sharon’s role in the future, you believe Kadima and Fatah will be partners in the peace process in the months ahead?

Peres: Yes.

Gardels: What about Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud now — are they in a stronger or weaker position?

Peres: They could improve, but today they are in a very weak position. People don’t think they need to give them more votes. Netanyahu has no practical vision for taking Israel forward — which is what the name Kadima means.

(c) 2006, Global Viewpoint
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