Former Israeli premier: palestinian state is essential for Israel

Israeli former prime minister, Shimon Peres, said in Oslo on Tuesday that a Palestinian state will come to being if a Kosovo-like situation is to be avoided in Israel.

During a ceremony held in memory of Israeli prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by a Jewish extremist in 1994, Peres argued that if Israel wants to remain a Jewish state, and not become a second Kosovo, a Palestinian state is essential because it would allow Palestinians to live on their territory and Jews can live on their own land, otherwise it would be a catastrophe for Israel.

In the ceremony, Israeli prime minister, Ehud Barak, pledged to carry on Rabin's actions for peace process in the middle east. Rabin promised to ensure the security of Israel and conclude an agreement of loyal and honest peace with Israel.

On his part, Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat, said peace is irreversible and called for a strict, honest and rapid implementation of Israeli-Palestinian agreements. Arafat also voiced concern over the continuation of the settlement policy in the Palestinian territory.