Bush relies on a new Palestinian government

On the future of peace in the Middle East after Arafat, the US President George W. Bush said that a new Palestinian leadership will enhance the opportunity of reaching peace in the Middle East.

With the death of Arafat, Bush stressed there will be "an opportunity for peace" when the new leadership assumes its responsibility.

Leader of the Israeli labor opposition Shimon Peres considered that Israel can not say that " it has no partner " after the death of President Arafat.

Peres called on the government to take "good intention initiatives" to the new Palestinian leadership, stressing the need of coordination with the Palestinians when any withdrawal is made from Gaza, especially under the current conditions.