Israel was very mindful of the special role of the Russian Federation as a
co-sponsor of the Madrid Peace Conference and of the peace process in
general. Its leaders never passed an opportunity to acquaint Russian
leaders with progress in the process as well as to discuss bilateral
issues. This was the theme of a meeting in Jerusalem between Mr. Peres and
Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev who was on a tour of Middle Eastern
capitals. Dealing with the issue of Israel's adherence to the NPT, Mr.
Peres said that Israel would discuss this matter only once peace is
established with all Arab League members and with Iran. Text of the
summary of the meeting follows:
Foreign Minster Shimon Peres and Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev
held an hour-long working meeting yesterday (Monday), 3.4.95. Their
expanded meeting was preceded by a 30-minute discussion between them. In
the meeting, Peres clarified that Israel's desire for peace with Syria and
Lebanon is serious. Syria may not be promoting the matter, but it would be
desirable for it to do so - since "any time is good for peace and victory
in peace is more important than the elections," Peres said. He added that
Israel has adopted the principle of withdrawal as a component of peace
with Syria, although the depth of the withdrawal will be determined
according to other elements, such as the nature of peace and security
arrangements.
Peres denied Israeli involvement in Sunday's explosion in Gaza. He
emphasized that, if the Palestinians suppress terrorism, it will be easier
for Israel to implement the second phase of the Oslo and Cairo Accords.
Peres reviewed the situation in the region and said that fundamentalism is
the main threat today, because it is fed by poverty and desperation.
Therefore, we must address the economic situation, develop water sources
and disseminate technological, scientific and educational knowledge. Mr.
Kozyrev said that his country supports the creation of a regional bank as
a financial tool for promoting regional development.
Kozyrev emphasized Russia's commitment to progress in the peace process,
as one of its sponsors and promised assistance as required on all tracks.
He added that Russia has been an active partner in the multilateral talks,
which deal with the difficult questions raised by Peres and in the
Casablanca and Amman conferences.
The Russian foreign minister raised the question of the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty, saying that Russia attributes importance to the
NPT's universality. Peres replied that, against the universality of the
NPT, one must also consider the universality of peace. Accordingly,
Israel will be able to discuss this matter only once peace is established
with all Arab League members and with Iran. Peres pointed out that Israel
is the only country in the world facing an explicit and direct threat of
destruction, from Iran.
During the meeting, it was also decided that Israel and Russia would
cancel visa requirements for each other's diplomats. Furthermore, it was
concluded that the issue of the status of Russian immigrants to Israel who
have maintained their Russian citizenship would be settled and that a
legal commission would be formed to discuss the dispute over Russian
properties in Israel.