Peres expects ratification of peace with Syria within a year

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres expressed his confidence in reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Syria during the coming 12 months.

Peres, who is currently minister of regional development in Ehud Barak's government, said, "I believe that we will reach peace with the Syrians during a year."

In a meeting concerning Israeli - European relations, Peres said reaching a settlement between Syria and Israel concerning the Golan Heights, which were occupied by Israel in the war of 1967, will encourage other Arab states to establish sound relations with Israel.

He added that reaching peace with Syria means a great change in the future of the Middle East.