Summary of a meeting between Foreign Minister Peres and Foreign Minister Agnelli of Italy

In their talks with European statesmen, both Mr. Rabin and Mr. Peres dealt with bilateral relations, the peace process, the dangers of Islamic fundamentalism to international peace and stability, Israel's ties with the EU and finally the role of Europe in promoting the economic well-being of the Palestinians. These subjects were on the agenda of the Peres-Agnelli meeting as well. Text:

Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, met yesterday (Wednesday), 06.07.95, with Italian Foreign Minister Susanna Agnelli and characterized Israeli-Italian relations as good, friendly and moving in the right direction. He praised Italy's contribution to the peace process and emphasized that Italy's assistance to the Palestinian Authority is greater than that of all of the members of the Arab League together; Mr. Peres said that the latter are content to assist the Palestinians with verbal protests. He also called on the European Union not to be satisfied with the aid it has given thus far and to show greater generosity towards the countries of the region.

The two ministers agreed that improvements in the standard of living and more tangible benefits of peace, for the peoples of the region are the most efficient means in the struggle against those elements who are opposed to the peace process and are trying to sabotage it. Mr. Peres spoke of the importance of industrial parks in Gaza and the West Bank and suggested that Italy become involved in them. He also mentioned the importance of education and sought Italian encouragement for a project to computerize education in the Middle East.

Regarding Israeli-EU economic relations, Mr. Peres expressed his disappointment that the agreement under discussion has yet to be signed and told his Italian counterpart that is not seeking gifts from the EU, but fairness. He updated his guest on the understandings with the Palestinians and emphasized that Israel has recently succeeded in overcoming considerable obstacles on the way to implementing the next stage of the interim agreement. Mr. Peres said that even though the situation in Gaza is not yet a full success, the changes there prove the logic of the political process.

Regarding Iraq and Iran, Mr. Peres said that Israel fully supports the American policy of double containment vis-a-vis these two countries. While he mentioned the dangers of religious fanaticism becoming mixed with nuclear weapons and warned the West of the dangers if such extremists should take control of vital energy sources, Mr. Peres called for continued inter-religious dialogue and said that the establishment of formal relations between Israel and the Vatican was a step in the right direction.

Foreign Minister Agnelli said that Italy - also in the European framework - will work towards advancing the peace process and expressed her hope that her visit indeed contributed to this end.