Israeli Defense minister pledges peace

The Israeli government noted that Defense Minister Amir Peretz has "expressed the hope that the convergence plan would be implemented as part of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians." Addressing a conference in Jerusalem of the Movement for Quality government, Peretz said the government will make an honest and wholehearted attempt to reach a complete agreement before taking any unilateral steps. And, he added, "the sooner Israel stops ruling another people, the better."