LEAD IN:

Israel's Shimon Peres was widely admired around the world as a peacemaker and visionary, but opinions of him across the Arab world are much more complex.

Memories linger of another Peres, who built up Israel's military might, waged war in Lebanon and promoted policies seen as harmful to the Palestinians.

STORY LINE:

As tributes to Shimon Peres pour in across the West, in the southern Lebanese town of Qana the reaction to the former Israeli President's death is very different.

An Israeli military operation in Lebanon in 1996 included a deadly artillery strike on a UN compound in the village of Qana that killed dozens of civilians who had fled fighting to take refuge there.

Jamil Salami, a survivor of Qana bombardment, calls Peres a "war criminal."

The incident is a key part of Peres' legacy across the region. Announcing Peres' death on Wednesday, Iran's state television called him "The butcher of Qana."

In Tehran, student Mahdi Isazade says: "we are happy that he has finally died and gone to Hell. I think all Muslims and all Shiites who feel a responsibility to support the oppressed are happy and are celebrating."

Peres, two-time Israeli president and a Nobel prize winner, died on Wednesday at the age of 93.

In Ramallah, Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestine National Initiative, gives his perspective on Peres' complicated legacy.

"From one side, he looks moderate in comparison to extremists like (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Israeli Education Minister) Neftali Bennett. On the other hand, he was responsible for the settlement activities in Palestine, which is (are) now the biggest obstacle to achieving peace."

Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza have been celebrating the death.

"We, the Palestinians in Gaza and outside, are happy about the death of Israelis, especially the leaders who brought the Israeli occupation and seized our land. To the death of Shimon Peres, rest in Hell," says Local resident Shaban Al-Qerem.

Peres's funeral on Friday is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders in Israel since the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995.

++AP Television is adhering to Iranian law that stipulates all media are banned from providing BBC Persian or VOA Persian any coverage from Iran, and under this law if any media violate this ban the Iranian authorities can immediately shut down that organisation in Tehran.++

Qana, Lebanon - 29 September 2016

++16:9++

1. Wide of traffic at entrance to Qana villlage

2. Close of Qana sign

3. Wide of survivor Jamil Salami visiting the massacre site

4. Debris at the site

5. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic), Jamil Salami, survivor of Qana bombardment:

"He (Shimon Peres) is a war criminal, he committed a massacre in Qana which was a United Nations post and it is internationally prohibited to approach it but he bombed this United Nations site and killed children, women and elders in Qana village and we can say that God has revenged the martyrs by his death."

FILE: Qana, South Lebanon - 18 April 1996

++4:3++

6. Various of injured people following Israeli forces' shelling of UN compound

Qana, Lebanon - 29 September 2016

++16:9++

7. Various of Qana massacre graves

8. Qana resident Ahmad Hasan Haidar standing next to the graves

9. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmad Hasan Haidar, local resident:

"This criminal Shimon Peres was leading Operation 'Grapes of Wrath' and he killed the elders, women and children in Qana. We will never forget his crimes in Qana so today he is facing his punishment by God. We do not know what it will be, but we are pretty sure he will get the punishment that he deserves."

AP Television - NO ACCESS BBC PERSIAN/VOA PERSIAN/MANOTO ONE

Tehran, Iran - 29 September 2016

++AP Television is adhering to Iranian law that stipulates all media are banned from providing BBC Persian or VOA Persian any coverage from Iran, and under this law if any media violate this ban the Iranian authorities can immediately shut down that organisation in Tehran.++

++16:9++

10. Wide of Tehran's Milad tower and traffic

11. Mid of traffic

12. Various of mural with text that reads: (English) "Israel must be omitted from the world" (a quote from Iran's former leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini) and a drawing showing an Israeli tank and Palestinian children

13. Students talking outside Imam Sadegh university

14. SOUNDBITE: (Farsi) Mahdi Isazade, student:

"He (Shimon Peres) committed many crimes against the oppressed people of Palestine, and now we are happy that he has finally died and gone to Hell. I think all Muslims and all Shiites who feel a responsibility to support the oppressed are happy and are celebrating."

15. Mid of students

16. Wide of sign reading: "Head of Society for the Defence of Palestinian nation" in Farsi, Arabic, and English

17. Pan to Hossein Rooyvaran, Head of Society for the Defence of the Palestinian nation

18. SOUNDBITE: (Farsi) Head of Society for the Defence of the Palestinian nation:

"(Peres) won the Noble Peace Prize, that (peace) has not been realised, and the Zionist regime is still preventing the formation of any Palestinian government - by building settlements and following a policy of occupation through populating occupied lands."

19. Rooyvaran reading book

FILE: New York - 31 July 2006

++4:3++

20. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Vice Premier:

"There must be a change in the whole situation of the Middle East. There must be a sustainable peace, a more profound arrangement that will answer the real problems."

21. Wide of Peres addressing news conference

Ramallah, West Bank - 29 September 2016

++16:9++

22. Various of Ramallah streets

23. Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestine National Initiative, sitting at his desk

24. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mustafa Barghouti ,General Secretary of the Palestine National Initiative

"For many people Shimon Peres was a controversial figure. From one side, he looks moderate in comparison to extremists like (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Israeli Education Minister) Neftali Bennett. On the other hand, he was responsible for the settlement activities in Palestine, which is now the biggest obstacle to achieving peace. He was responsible, and the main architect of Oslo, which was an illusion of peace rather than peace. We lost an opportunity of creating real peace by ending occupation. What Israel needs today is a different generation - new people who believe in real peace, by ending the occupation which is now 50 years and by ending the system of apartheid that Palestinians are subjected to."

25. Traffic in Ramallah

AP Television

Gaza City, Gaza Strip - 29 September 2016

++16:9++

26. Group of women standing by side of road

27. Women walking

28. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Shaban Al-Qerem, local resident:

"We, the Palestinians in Gaza and outside, are happy about the death of Israelis, especially the leaders who brought the Israeli occupation and seized our land. To the death of Shimon Peres, rest in Hell. We say that the Israeli policies will remain unchanged and will not be affected by the passing of one of its leaders. Sharon and Rabin died before and the deals remained the same and the big loser was the Palestinian people."

29. Mid of university students walking

30. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdullah Mahani, student:

"Of course, his death is a relief to the Palestinian people because it's known that he killed innocent Palestinians and he was hostile to the Palestinians."

30. Palestinian students walking

English/Nat

Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres has appealed to President Assad of Syria to make peace.

Addressing a joint meeting of Congress in Washington, he said neither Israel or Syria should dwell on the past but should be prepared to compromise.

Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres is in the U-S to secure congressional support for his efforts to relaunch a peace initiative with Israel's old adversary Syria.

He met with congressional leaders before his congressional address.

When he arrived at the joint session of Congress he received a standing ovation, but deflected the honour to his fallen leader, Yitzhak Rabin who was assassinated in November.

SOUNDBITE:

Mr. Speaker, all I have, I would have given gladly not to be standing here today. My senior partner is gone. Now he belongs to the ages. He will enter them as a great leader, as a great soldier, a captain of peace who was assassinated because he was right.

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister

He then took the opportunity to make his boldest appeal yet to Syrian President Hafez Assad.

He said the two countries should end decades of hostility to arrive at a comprehensive peace settlement.

SOUNDBITE:

I would like to use this podium, with your permission, ladies and gentlemen, to turn to President Assad of Syria and say to him, without forgetting the past, let us not look back. Let fingertips touch a new untested hope. Let each party yield to the other, each giving consideration to the respected needs of the other, mutually so, he to us, us to him.

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister

Peres hinted again at Israel's willingness to make territorial compromises, but stopped short of specifying withdrawal from the Golan Heights.

Assad has made a commitment to that a prerequisite for talks.

But the overwhelming message of his speech was an apparently sincere desire for reconciliation.

SOUNDBITE:

The end of conflict, carrying the message to our forefathers and to our grandchildren, that we are again, all of us, the sons and daughters of Abraham, living in a tent of peace again.

SUPERCAPTION: Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

His speech received unanimous approval among lawmakers.

Peres has also been trying to convince American Jewish leaders that his land for peace policy is right.

Washington D-C, USA. 12 December 1995

1. Peres with Dole and Gingrich

2. Peres walks in to Congress

3. SOUNDBITE: Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

4. Cut-away Dole

5. Cut-away Christopher

6. SOUNDBITE: Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

7. WS Congress

8. SOUNDBITE: Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

9. Standing ovation

10. Gore and Gingrich shake Peres' hand

11. Wide shot applause.

Former Israeli president Shimon Peres met French President Francois Hollande in Paris on Thursday, a day after a court announced that the Palestinian militant group Hamas would be removed from the EU list of terrorist organisations.

A European Union court in Luxembourg on Wednesday ordered that Hamas - which calls for the destruction of Israel - be taken off the list for procedural reasons, but said the bloc can maintain asset freezes on the group's members.

Hamas was put on the EU list as part of broader measures to fight terrorism in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

It won elections in 2006 and runs Gaza, and has long contested the classification.

Peres said he was "glad" that Hollande had told him the court decision would not change France's view on Hamas.

"I told the president (Hollande), we (Israel) are for a Palestinian state. That's not an argument between us. We think that in order to have a democratic and Jewish state, we need a Palestinian state as well," Peres also stated.

The decision comes amid growing pressure from European legislators to recognise a Palestinian state, after years of stalemate in peace talks.

There was also growing frustration in Europe with Israel's government after the Gaza war earlier this year.

AP TELEVISION

Paris - 18 December 2014

1. Former Israeli president Shimon Peres getting out of car, being greeted by French President Francois Hollande

2. Peres and Hollande walking up steps to Elysee Palace

3. Peres and Hollande posing for photographers and entering palace

4. Various of the meeting between Peres and Hollande

5. Peres walking into room to address media

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, former Israeli president:

"There is the problem of now if to bring the recognition of a Palestinian state to the United Nations. I told the (French) president, we are for a Palestinian state. That's not an argument between us. We think that in order to have a democratic and Jewish state, we need a Palestinian state as well. We weren't born to govern other people and you can be democratic only if you have a majority of people. Declarations cannot satisfy democracy itself. The only problem is how to achieve the establishment of two states, an Israeli state and a Jewish state (he means a Palestinian state). I believe the only way to do it is through negotiations. You cannot impose it."

7. Camera operators

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, former Israeli president:

"As you know, the court decided for procedural reasons that Hamas should be out of the black list. I don't want to argue with the judges because I think in case of terror, the victims should judge and not the judges should judge the victims. So that's our view, although I was glad that president (Hollande) said 'I don't want to intervene in the procedures of the court, but that does not affect or change the position and the view of France concerning Hamas'."

9. Peres leaving

SHOTLIST:

++AUDIO AS INCOMING++

1. Wide of Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres at Washington Institute for Near East Policy

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister:

"If the European Community, the United States, the Quartet, thinks that the international force can help, okay. What we shall not permit is that Hezbollah will return to the southern border of Lebanon and again continue to fire against Israel, take hostages, but we shall not consider an end of the fire if they continue to send rockets and missiles, we shall continue to act in order to bring back the two soldiers that were taken hostage on our land."

3. Wide of Peres speaking

4. Medium of Peres walking to microphones outside U.S. State Department; pull to wide shot

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister:

"The minute it will stop it will stop, but the minute there will be an international force that will control the southern part of Lebanon and the hostages will be released and the rockets and the missiles will be controlled and the Hezbollah will stop being an army within an army, then we shall have peace. In my judgment it's not far away. You can count it in matters of weeks, not months."

6. Cutaway camera; pan right to wide shot Peres speaking, then walking away from microphones

7. Wide shot Peres walking to microphones at the White House

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister:

"A cease-fire means to cease the fire, a cease-fire... (Off-screen reporter: What has to happen before that happens?) To have a force that will guarantee it, that cannot be dependent upon the whims of the Hezbollah every moment, so we won't have an international force, we won't have the Lebanese army, the Lebanese are an army of 80,000 people, this is the first country where we have an army that doesn't fight for the safety of its own land."

9. Medium of Peres walking away

STORYLINE:

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres met with a wide range of Washington officials on Tuesday, vowing to clear southern Lebanon of Hezbollah militia and their weapons.

In a speech to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Peres gave qualified endorsement to an international security force.

"If the European Community, the United States, the Quartet, thinks that the international force can help, okay," he said.

However, he noted that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to continue to assault Israel from southern Lebanon.

Later, Peres met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and told reporters afterwards that Israel was nearing a decisive point in battling Hezbollah.

Asked how long the fighting might go on, Peres said: "I don't want to say but it's a matter of weeks. Maybe even less."

Peres also met with U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley at the White House, and afterwards told reporters that a cease-fire would not occur without an international force that has the backing to secure the peace, rather than being "dependent upon the whims of the Hezbollah."

He said Israel had destroyed 70 to 80 per cent of Hezbollah's long-range missiles and rockets, although he conceded that Hezbollah still had short-range weapons.

He said Israel also had killed 250 to 300 of Hezbollah's 2,500 fighters.

While there is wide disagreement over whether to try to compel Israel to accept an immediate cease-fire, there is consensus building around a peacekeeping force that would be more potent than the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that was created in 1978 with a weak mandate.

The Bush administration views a new force as a useful device in helping Lebanon gain control of its southern region, from which Hezbollah has fought a cross-border war with Israel.

President Bush is pressing for a U.N. resolution linking a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah with a broader plan for peace in the Middle East, despite rising international pressure for a simple no-strings-attached halt to the fighting.

English/Nat

Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres said on Tuesday that it is time for both Israelis and Palestinians to stop the shooting and to start talking.

Peres said that it is agreed with the two sides that written agreements must be fulfilled, and he hopes that after Ariel Sharon's visit to the US the violence will stop and negotiations will resume.

Meanwhile in the Knesset, army chief of staff Shaul Mofaz briefed the foreign defence committee on the latest developments in the West Bank and Gaza.

At least seven Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were wounded in a series of overnight shootings in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Mofaz briefed the committee on the night's events, which took place despite the resumption of security contacts between the two sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who was scheduled to meet later Tuesday with U-S President George W. Bush in Washington, said on Sunday that senior Israeli and Palestinian security officials were meeting in a bid to reduce nearly six months of fighting.

However, renewed violence that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday morning has included the most serious attacks against Israeli targets since Sharon came to power two weeks ago.

In violence on Monday, Palestinian attackers killed a Jewish motorist in a drive-by shooting and, in a separate incident, an Israeli security officer was killed at a kibbutz, where 60 automatic rifles were stolen.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"Instead of talking there is shooting. I think the sooner the shooting will stop the talking will begin will the better for the two sides"

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"In the guiding lines of the present government there is an article that says that Israel will respect all the agreements that were achieved and signed between the two sides provided they are respected by the two sides. I don't suggest that one sided implementation but those are binding agreements and they should be implemented by all parties."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister

Jerusalem, 20 march 2001

1. Cutaway

2. Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister walking

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister

4. Cutaway

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli foreign minister

6. Peres walking away

The Knesset

7. Shaul Mofaz, Israeli army chief of staff walking

8. Mofaz entering room of foreign defence committee

9. Long shot committee sitting

10. Close Mofaz sitting

11. Various of committee meeting

Eng/Spanish/Nat

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has visited Argentina amid continuing fears that Islamic extremists may be planning terror attacks against Israeli targets in the country.

Peres' visit Friday comes a day after an Argentine judge ordered the arrest of a second suspect in connection with a bomb which killed 95 people at a Jewish Community Centre in Buenos Aires last July.

Despite reports that the Israelis fear further attacks against Jewish targets in Argentina, Peres' meeting with President Carlos Menem was clearly cordial.

In an impromptu move before Peres took the podium, Menem called Spanish President Felipe Gonzalez to express Argentine solidarity with him as his government faces charges of supporting a dirty war against Basque terrorists.

SOUNDBITE:

"That's what I was calling you for. To send you my wholehearted solidarity and to invite you to visit me in Argentina. I know you are going to sort this problem out very quickly. I'm here with the Israeli Foreign Minister at my side. He sends his best regards and wishes you the same."

SUPER CAPTION: Carlos Menem, President of Argentina

Peres advised Argentina to keep its nerve in dealing with suspected Islamic terrorists responsible for two major attacks on Jewish targets in Argentina.

SOUNDBITE:

"You know that I am an old client in the business of terror. And may I say two things. Clearly terrorism carries a certain danger. The greatest danger is to exaggerate terrorists' strength. They are not as perfect as they claim. And they are not as immune as other people may think."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

An estimated 95 people died and more than 200 were injured in a July bombing attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA). A bombing in March 1992 destroyed the Israeli Embassy, killing approximately 29.

Menem made a recent trip to Syria to add his weight to the current Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Peres applauded the Argentine president for his concern with Middle Eastern matters.

SOUNDBITE:

"He is showing a deep interest. He is trying to be of help. And I do hope that this will remain the case in the future."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

Argentineans have a very real interest in the success of the Middle East peace process.

They hope that lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians will mean an end to the bombings that have caused so much pain to their own large Jewish population.

1. Shimon Peres arrives with Carlos Menem

2. Press photographers

3. W/s of Peres and Menem, zoom in to handshake

4. Pressmen

5. SOT: Menem talking on telephone to Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez

6. Peres walks to podium

7. SOT: Peres

8. Destruction to AMIA centre in Buenos Aires

9. Mourners at AMIA centre

10. Lighting candles

11. SOT: Peres

12. Mourners at AMIA centre

English/Nat

The U-S has told Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres it will assist him in seeking peace, saying there was a new opportunity to move towards peace between Israel and Syria.

Secretary of State Warren Christopher is to travel to the Middle East later this week to try to reopen negotiations on the Syrian front.

Peres met President Clinton and senior administration officials during his first visit to the U-S since the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

After his talks with President Clinton, Shimon Peres lead a procession of Israeli officials to America's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

It was just one of many important gestures Peres would made Monday during his first visit to the U-S since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.

Like other Israeli leaders, Peres seeks to maintain the close tie with America.

He did get assurances from Clinton that the U-S would help Israel minimise risks taken for peace.

Even with that pledge, Peres made it clear that Israel would not risk peace with Syria - by giving up the Golan Heights - before they knew for sure what Syria was willing to give in return.

SOUNDBITE:

No we are not negotiating a mountain. We are negotiating a peace. In the peace prospect you have a mountain, but that is not the only existing phenomenon. And I think that what we have ready to discuss right now is that overall picture.

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister

Peres and other Israeli's recognise this is a critical time in the peace process - a window of opportunity that may never come again.

SOUNDBITE:

Now we'll come to the real test. Shimon Peres has very high credibility, of being a man of peace, with whom Assad can work together. And we have to hope for a partnership between Assad, Peres and Clinton, to change the future of the region. I would say that after today I'm slightly more optimistic that this will happen.

SUPER CAPTION: Uri Savir, Israeli Foreign Ministry official and peace negotiator

But even for peace, there are still touchy issues on which the Peres government will not budge.

SOUNDBITE:

The Congress, really representing the people of the United States, felt what we feel, that Jerusalem always was only the capital of Israel, of the Jews, of no other religion, that it should be free for worship of people of all religions, and that it should be recognised for what it is, the capital of the state of Israel.

SUPER CAPTION: Uri Savir, Israeli Foreign Ministry official and peace negotiator

Peres is due to give a speech to a joint meeting of the two houses of the U-S Congress later on Tuesday.

Washington, 11 December 1995

1. Peres arriving at Tomb of Unknown Soldier.

2. View of tomb.

3. Peres laying wreath at tomb.

4. Israeli delegation.

5. Peres at tomb.

6. Peres and Perry

7. SOUNDBITE Peres.

8. Cutaway

9. Uri Savir.

10. SOUNDBITE: Savir.

11. Peres-Clinton news conference.

12. SOUNDBITE Savir.

13. Peres-Clinton photo opportunity (US Pool)

English/Nat

After two days of mourning, foreign minister Shimon Peres has taken up his duties as acting prime minister of Israel.

Peres left for work this morning at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem surrounded by bodyguards.

It was Shimon Peres' first day at work as Acting Prime Minister Tuesday.

Security has been stepped up around the former Foreign Minister after a number of death threats.

Such threats are being taken extremely seriously by a twitchy Security Service after a 25-year-old law student, Yigal Amir, broke through security ranks to shoot Yitzhak Rabin.

Rabin was the first head of state to be assassinated in Israel and to many his killing has marked the beginning of a new era.

Throughout the morning, Peres was visited by international heads-of-state who not only offered their condolences but messages of hope and support for the future.

Fear is mounting over the effect the recent assassination will have over the already shaky peace process.

Britain's Prime Minister John Major spent some time with Peres.

Afterwards, Peres told the press his top concern remained the peace process -- and elections came second.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"For us the main consideration is the peace process and not the term of the government. I said yesterday and I will repeat it again - for us to win peace is more important even than to win the elections."

QUESTION : "So you won't go to elections now?"

ANSWER: "I shall continue with the process of peace as we have started and we shall go on."

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres acting prime minister.

Australia's President Paul Keating spent several minutes with Peres.

And Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan met the Israeli President.

The presence of so many Arab leaders has given rise to hopes that the peace Rabin was so instrumental in negotiating may have changed politics in the region for good.

But although Peres went back to work, mourning is far from over for the rest of the nation.

At the site of the assassination - Tel Aviv's Kikar Malkei square- thousands of mourning candles burnt brightly in the early morning sun.

Scores of Israeli's continue to stop and pay their respects to their fallen leader.

Some write notes - others leave flowers and wreaths. Some simply cry.

VOXPOP: (English)

"I still can't believe what has happened and that we can get back to the same everyday life. Rabin is dead and I still can't believe what is going on here and what is going to happen afterwards"

SUPERCAPTION : Naomi, student from Jerusalem

Israel had closed the Gaza strip and West Bank after the assassination fearing attacks by Islamic militants.

But some people Tuesday were being allowed through the strict security controls. Men over 35 had to show passes.

In a country which has lived with violence since its birth, Rabin's killing has merely added to the sense of insecurity.

Jerusalem, Israel. 7 November 1995

1. Bodyguard

2. Various of Peres getting in car and leaving for work

3. Exterior of prime minister's office

4. Cutaway of cameraman

5. Peres and Major exiting

6. SOUNDBITE: Peres

7. Peres with Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating

8. Peres on sofa with Keating

9. Peres talking on phone to Irish Prime Minister John Bruton

11. Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan arrives at President's building

12. Hassan on chair

Tel Aviv 7 November 1995

7. Various of mourners

8. Various of Kikar Malkei square and flowers and wreaths

Jerusalem 7 November 1995

10. VOXPOP: (English)

Erez junction, Gaza strip 7 November 1995

12. Trucks lined up at the junction

13. Palestinians waiting

14. Soldier on guard

15. Israeli soldiers checking I-D documents

16. Cars driving through check point

17. Soldiers with guns

SHOTLIST:

1.Various of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres at photo opportunity

2. Wide of news conference

3. Cutaway press

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"They (Pakistan) must make sure that they do not permit any hiding of terror or terrorists. By the way, what Bush is saying to the Pakistanis he's also saying to the Palestinians, and I think India too would like to be convinced that there is no harbouring of any terror, terrorists or acts of terror."

5. Cutaway cameraman

6. Various of Peres with Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"And every country today must decide (to) which part of the world does it belong. I think all of a sudden the conflict between the Palestinians and ourselves entered a new area, where the Palestinian leadership has to decide clearly on which side they are. They cannot be on both sides. Maybe very similar to your own situation. You cannot be against terror in one place and closing your eyes to terror in another place."

8. Peres shaking hands with Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh

9. Cutaway security

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jaswant Singh, Indian Foreign Minister:

"I'm against terrorism. There cannot simply be either double standards or any compromise."

11. Cutaway press

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"In every way that we can be of help and support we shall do it full heartedly, because we feel a closeness and a similarity with our situations."

13. Singh and Peres walk away

STORYLINE:

Israel's Foreign Minister told Indian leaders on Tuesday they should enter talks with Pakistan to ease a crisis that has the neighbours on the brink of war.

Meeting journalists after his private session with Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh, Shimon Peres said there could be no compromises in the battle against their common problem of terrorism - which struck India recently with deadly attacks on the state assembly in Kashmir and then on the Parliament in New Delhi.

India blames Pakistan, and the nuclear-armed rivals have massed tens of thousands of troops along their 1,800-kilometre (1,100-mile) border.

Peres said Israel was ready "in every way to help and support India" in its fight terrorism, but he declined to elaborate on what Israel might do.

He said an alliance between countries against terrorism could not become an alliance against any religion.

In the cases of both Israel and India, the terrorist groups they are fighting are Muslim.

Peres said the world was no longer divided between East and West or North and South but between countries that condemn terror and those which condone it.

Peres, who also met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Tuesday, later left for the southern Indian software technology hub of Bangalore.

Last week, a joint commission to combat terrorism set up by India and Israel met in Tel Aviv to share perspectives on regional security and challenges to peace.

The commission was established in July 2000.

Although India was among the first countries to recognise Israel when it was formed in 1948, relations cooled when New Delhi supported the Palestinian cause.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries were only established in 1992.

India and Israel have moved closer since Vajpayee's right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party was elected to head the government in 1998.

The last two years have seen a series of high-level visits by both sides.

The Indian and Israeli defence forces have also increased their cooperation, with Israel emerging as an important arms supplier to India.

Trade between the two countries crossed the one (b) billion (US) dollar mark in 2001.

English/Nat

British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind met Israel's acting prime minister Shimon Peres on Thursday, a day after securing a commitment to Middle East peace from Syrian leaders in Damascus.

The two men met in an atmosphere of heightened security in the wake of the assassination on Saturday of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Mr Rifkind reiterated Britain's commitment towards achieving peace in the Middle East.

British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, met with acting Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres in Jerusalem Thursday as part of his continuing middle east tour..

They discussed a range of issues, including the development of commercial interests between Britain and Israel.

Peres thanked the British government for its support during this critical time in Israel's history, and reasserted his commitment to the peace process.

SOUNDBITE:

"We appreciate very much the two visits we have had this week from Great Britain the Prime Minister, Mr Major, who came to participate in the funeral of the late Prime Minister Rabin and told the Prime Minister that we appreciate very much this expression of support and understanding at a very trying time for Israel, and I am very glad that the Foreign Minister of Great Britain who made a tour of the Middle East was able to pay a visit to Israel, we were in a position to compare notes. I told the Foreign Minister that we are decided to go ahead with the peace process in spite of the tragic event, and maybe even more so because that was clearly the will of Prime Minister Rabin. Basically our relations with Great Britain are in a good shape. An economic content was added to it and is being developed in a very positive manner, and we intend to cooperate in the future as well. Thank you."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres - acting Prime Minister of Israel

Rifkind who's on a regional tour, flew in from Saudi Arabia where he'd also held talks with Syrian leaders.

The British Foreign Secretary reiterated his government's desire to kick start Syria's stalled peace talks with Israel.

SOUNDBITE:

"Thank you, I am pleased to have this opportunity to meet acting Prime Minister Mr Peres, we are very conscious of the fact that this is a very sad and melancholy week for Israel but one is conscious the Israeli government are looking to the future, having just returned from Damascus, it was a useful opportunity to discuss with Mr Peres the situation with regard to the view that have been expressed in Syria, the possibilities of progress with regard to matters of that kind and also to hear Mr Peres' views on the wider issues involving the peace process. The United Kingdom is very supportive of the peace process, we give total and unequivocal support, I am latter today going to see Chairman Arafat in Gaza and we welcome very much the work that he is doing and taking forward what is the historic process towards the result which will be of great importance to all the people of the Middle-East. Thank you."

SUPER CAPTION: Malcolm Rifkind - British Foreign Minister

Rifkind and Peres met in an atmosphere of heightened security in the wake of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination.

The British Foreign Secretary was hopeful a new initiative to achieve progress in the peace process could come out of the tragic killing of the Israeli premier.

Jerusalem, Israel - 9 November 1995.

1. Shimon Peres and Malcolm Rifkind walking towards press.

2. Cutaway cameraman.

3. SOUNDBITE: Shimon Peres - Acting Israeli Prime Minister.

4. SOUNDBITE: Malcolm Rifkind - British Foreign Secretary

5. Peres and Rifkind walking away after talking to press.

English/Nat

Shimon Peres was officially confirmed and sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel in Jerusalem on Wednesday along with the rest of his cabinet.

The former Foreign Minister, who will also take on the post of Defence Minister, had been appointed acting Prime Minister just hours after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.

On Wednesday, he said he would seek a broader dialogue with Israelis opposed to his government's policies -- and crack down on Jewish militants.

Few doubted that Peres would not be confirmed after he won unanimous endorsement from the Labor Party central committee on Tuesday night.

In addition to the portfolio of Prime Minister, Shimon Peres will also be defence minister in the new government that gained an easy approval from the 120-member Knesset.

His most significant appointment was former army general Ehud Barak as Foreign Minister - a move which may counter those who see Peres as too liberal.

SOUNDBITE:

"In a way it is a learning experience, because in the past 15 years I had quite few opportunities to be very close in contact with intimate diplomatic contacts."

SUPER CAPTION: Ehud Barak, Israeli Foreign Minister.

Peres vowed to continue the course he has already set of aggressively pursuing the peace process.

SOUNDBITE:

"We shall continue our policy of peace, continue our economy policy and try to bring an end of violence to a united nation."

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister.

In a show of unity following Rabin's assassination, Peres' new government was approved by a wide margin of 62 to eight with 38 abstentions.

Peres's new coalition consists of 44 seats for his Labor party, 12 seats for the dovish Meretz bloc and two members of a breakaway right-wing faction. He also has support from Arab members, giving him a majority in the Knesset.

The opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu sharply attacked Peres in the Knesset, but his Palestinian partners were quick to offer support.

SOUNDBITE:

"We see a lot of continuity in this cabinet, we feel it will become the partner with the Palestinian authority."

SUPERCAPTION: Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Minister of Planning and Cooperation.

Peres said he would seek a broader dialogue with Israelis opposed to the government's policies, but would crack down on Jewish militants.

He also urged Syria to speed up negotiations.

Peres has hinted in the past that he was ready to accept Syrian demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.

(Tel Aviv, 22 November 1995)

1. Exterior of Knesset.

2. Interior of parliament rooms.

3. Cabinet seated with Peres.

4. Ehud Barak, new Foreign Minister, walking in corridor.

5. SOUNDBITE: Barak.

6. Various of ministers in corridors.

7. SOUNDBITE: Peres.

8. Various Voting.

9. Peres being sworn in.

10. SOUNDBITE: Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Minister of Planning and Cooperation

11. Various group cabinet picture with President.

Israeli President Shimon Peres was presented on Thursday with the US Congressional Gold Medal by American House and Senate leaders.

In a wide ranging speech, Peres' final address to the US Congress as Israel's president, he urged America's political leaders to continue working with Israel to reach peace, eradicate "terrorism" and eliminate poverty.

He also said Israel would not rest until the three kidnapped yeshiva students were released.

Peres publicly praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and condemned Hamas.

The 90-year-old Peres is making his final foreign trip before leaving office next month.

Wednesday he held several White House meetings with US President Barack Obama and his staff.

Pool

1. Pull out of audience applauding Israeli President Shimon Peres with US Congressional leaders and Vice President Joe Biden in Capitol Rotunda

2. House Speaker Representative John Boehner handing Congressional Gold Medal to Peres

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) John Boehner, Speaker of the House, Republican - Ohio:

"This medal says to our young people and yours, never get cynical, never give into expediency and know that America will always stand with Israel and, with all men and women of peace."

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Nancy Pelosi, House Minority leader, Democrat - California:

"Shimon Peres planted the seeds of the Jewish state of Israel and helped that garden grow. Whether literally in the blooming of the desert or more significantly in the blossoming of a society and a people, a soldier who became a peacemaker, an immigrant who became an institution, a public servant who became a statesman, a champion of non-violence, a messenger of hope, an idealist who understood pragmatism, a founder of a nation who became and remains a visionary for his and all people."

5. Peres standing with Biden and Boehner as audience applauds

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli President:

"My friends, today and together we must tackle two monumental challenges we face - terrorism and poverty. Terror knows no borders and obeys no rules. It kills hundreds of thousands and it turns millions into refugees. We see it in Iran, in Iraq, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Yemen, in Libya, in Sudan, in Gaza and elsewhere. By sanctioning their suppliers, by preventing the financial aid. We know that terrorists are global, there, they should be fought globally. We must fight not only the acts of terror but the roots of terrorism."

7. Audience applauds Peres

Israeli President Shimon Peres was Thursday presented with the US Congressional Gold Medal by American House and Senate leaders.

In a wide ranging speech, Peres' final address to the US Congress as Israel's president, he urged America's political leaders to continue working with Israel to reach peace, eradicate terrorism and eliminate poverty.

He also said Israel would not rest until the three kidnapped yeshiva students were released.

Peres publicly praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and condemned of Hamas.

The 90-year-old Peres is making his final foreign trip before leaving office next month.

Wednesday he held several White House meetings with US President Barack Obama and his staff.

POOL

Washington, DC - 26 June 2014

1. Pull out, Israeli President Shimon Peres with US Congressional leaders and Vice President Joe Biden in front of audience in the Capitol Rotunda

2. Mid, House Speaker Representative John Boehner handing Congressional Gold Medal to Peres

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) John Boehner, Speaker of the House, Republican - Ohio:

"This medal says to our young people and yours, never get cynical, never give into expediency and know that America will always stand with Israel and, with all men and women of peace."

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Nancy Pelosi, House Minority leader, Democrat - California:

"Shimon Peres planted the seeds of the Jewish state of Israel and helped that garden grow. Whether literally in the blooming in the desert or more significantly in the blossoming of a society and a people, a soldier who became a peacemaker, an immigrant who became an institution, a public servant who became a statesman, a champion of non-violence, a messenger of hope, an idealist who understood pragmatism, a founder of a nation who became and remains a visionary for his and all people."

5. Mid, Peres standing with Biden and Boehner as audience applauds

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli President:

"My friends, today and together we must tackle two monumental challenges we face - terrorism and poverty. Terror knows no borders and obeys no rules. It kills hundreds of thousands and it turns millions into refugees. We see it in Iran, Iraq, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Yemen, in Libya, in Sudan, in Gaza and elsewhere. By sanctioning their suppliers, by preventing the financial aid. We know that terrorists are global, there. They should be fought globally. We must fight not only the acts of terror but the roots of terrorism."

7. Mid, as audience applauds Peres

SHOTLIST:

1. Exterior of Peres's office

2. Peres walking through corridor

3. SOUNDBITE:(English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"I have the right to meet every person and I think including Chairman Arafat. There are no restrictions.

(Q: Are you in contact with Palestinians and Chairman Arafat ?)

"I am all the time in contact with Palestinians, it is an on-going relationship which I want to intensify, and I shall do it in the days to come."

4. Cutaway hands

5. SOUNDBITE:(English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"You know it is not that we woke up one morning and we decided to change the nature of the Orient. It was a terrible act of terror in Jerusalem. And we have to tell the people who are responsible for it 'Stop it'. We could do it by killing people, we could do it by by signalling to them that they may pay heavily in political terms. They will continue to do so. So in our retaliation nobody was killed. But signals, serious signals were given to the Palestinians."

6. Profile shot of Peres seating on the chair

STORYLINE:

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said on Monday that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has imposed no restrictions on a resumption of contacts with senior Palestinian officials, including Yasser Arafat.

On Sunday, Sharon gave Peres permission to resume truce talks, despite two suicide bombings by Islamic militants over four days.

However, Israeli officials said Monday that a Peres-Arafat meeting would require special approval.

Peres said he was given free rein.

"I have the right to meet every person I think I have to, including Chairman Arafat," Peres told The Associated Press in an interview.

The foreign minister, the architect of several interim peace deals with the Palestinians in the 1990s, would not say whether he has already established contact with Palestinian officials.

Peres gave his qualified support to Israel's takeover of the unofficial Palestinian headquarters in traditionally Arab east Jerusalem last week.

The raid of the Orient House building came in response to a suicide bombing that killed 16 people, including the bomber.

Israeli media reported that in a special Cabinet meeting held just hours after the attack, Peres argued against seizing the headquarters.

Peres would not say on Monday how he voted in the Cabinet meeting.

"In our retaliation (for the attack) no one was killed," he said.

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide of Shimon Peres at podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"Who needs bin Laden? Who needs this killing? Suppose there remains a difference of two or three per cent, is that a reason to kill thousands of innocent people in New York. It doesn't solve anything, but lies and false assumptions are taking away the lives of innocent people. It doesn't solve the Palestinian problem, actually it makes their lives more complicated. Dear friends as you know we gave back all of the land and the water to Egypt without bin Laden, we gave back all the land and the water to Jordan without bin Laden, actually without any imposition or coercion. It was our own choice,"

3. Cutaway of cameraman

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"We gave back the land, not because we were forced to strategically, we gave back the land because we don't want to be occupiers or controllers of the lives of other people. That is what drove the late Prime Minister Rabin and myself to Oslo, we are not blind to strategy, but this was out first commitment not to control the Palestinians. We want to see them living happily, living in their own land, in a real democracy and with a flourishing economy. We're convinced that the best we can achieve for ourselves and for them is good relations, and good relations are better than good guns - so nobody needs bin Laden. What we have to do is improve human relations and not improve the killing of human beings.

5. Wide of journalist asking Peres a question

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister:

"The United States would like to see the flames of hatred, agitation and incitement being lowered as much as it is possible in the Middle East, this is our aim as well. The problem is how to do this - I believe sooner or later we shall reach a meeting of minds, not only an exchange of arguments."

7. Pan of audience applauding.

STORYLINE:

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres offered assurances that Israel has no intention of remaining in areas of the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Peres, in Washington for talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell and other Bush administration officials, said on Sunday that it is in Israel's

best interests to help the Palestinian people gain their independence.

But Peres mixed his usual dovish stance with a call on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to arrest the members of a militant Palestinian group

responsible for assassinating an Israeli cabinet minister and hand them over to Israel authorities for prosecution.

Peres said, while addressing a national meeting of the American Jewish Congress, that Arafat could never achieve his destiny if he did not act against terrorists.

The foreign minister said Arafat was capable of controlling the terrorists, but was reluctant to act.

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks have moved deeper into the West Bank in the broadest reaching operation against the Palestinians in years.

Three Palestinians were killed on Sunday, and the Palestinian Health Ministry said a teenage boy who was wounded in fighting last month died of his wounds.

The Israeli armoured assault is in retaliation for the assassination of an Israeli cabinet minister by a radical PLO faction.

English/Nat

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres says his successor prematurely touched off the battle for Jerusalem and stretched the truth about Yasser Arafat giving a green light to terrorism.

He said Arab-Israeli relations were in a "deep crisis" that was much the fault of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "zig-zag policy".

Peres is calling for a national unity government that would bring his Labor Party into the Likud-led government to solve the current impasse in the Mideast.

Netanyahu's Likud party currently hangs on to power by a fragile majority, although if the two main parties could reach an agreement, it would nullify the power of the right wing extremists.

Familiar scenes from the days of the Palestinian uprising (the Intifada) have returned to dominate the news from Israel and the West Bank.

The violence comes at a time of deep crisis in the relations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Both sides are refusing to return to the negotiating table unless the other meets an exhaustive list of conditions.

For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, meeting the Palestinian demands could upset the delicate political balance which holds him in office.

His narrow coalition of 63 of 120 legislators often survives only with the support of the right-wing extreme and religious parties.

The possibility of establishing a national unity government was discussed from the first day Netanyahu took over the prime minister's office.

However, the idea has been greeted mostly with a frosty reaction from the members of the opposition Labor party.

For Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister and Labor leader, the notion of a unity government is a question of when rather than if.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

Q: What circumstances would have to be created in order

for this to take place?

A: A very strong support by public opinion and the capacity

to have the sort of guiding lines that will make the government

proceed on the way to peace.

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Labor party leader

Commentators have speculated that current political developments may present Peres with his last taste of power.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"It's his last chance to step and lead, to be a leader in the Israeli political field because otherwise, in a few months he'll be gone, he'll be out of business formally."

SUPER CAPTION: Gadi Sukenik, Political analyst

Former chief of staff, Ehud Barak, is the man that will take over the Labor party, on June 3.

If Labor joins the government now, Shimon Peres will get the highest Labor cabinet position.

So Barak is doing all he can to resist a unity move this side of the June handover.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"In a democracy there should be a government and an opposition. We are not in the government so we should an opposition to fight to topple down the government."

SUPER CAPTION: Ehud Barak, Labor party

Barak, who intends to run for premiership, is trying to establish his public image as an alternative to Netanyahu.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"He (Barak) is afraid that if he's going in, or if the Labor party with him goes in, he will be seen as the twin brother of Binyamin Netanyahu. Many people see him like this, and this is one of the things that he wants to get rid of."

SUPER CAPTION: Gadi Sukenik, Political analyst

Netanyahu struggled to convince his own cabinet to approve the Hebron agreement - and he is likely to face even tougher battles if he proceeds within the Oslo framework.

Forming a coalition government may be the only way to neutralize extreme right wing influence.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"The peace process is in a dead lock. I think that the only way to get it out of there is to establish a national unity government on a different platform, which will support the peace process and the idea of a constant agreement with the Palestinians."

SUPER CAPTION: Meir Shitrit, Likud party member

However, even within Likud, members fail to agree the terms on which they would share power with Labor.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"If the Labor party would like to join a unity government upon the guidelines that we have now, in this government, of course they are welcome."

SUPER CAPTION: Silvan Shalom, Likud party member

Israeli media have reported lately that secret negotiations are already underway to establish the unity government.

If a coalition can be built, it may represent Netanyahu's best chance yet of saving the peace process.

Jerusalem, Israel 1 April 1997 and file from Jerusalem and Hebron, West Bank

Hebron, West Bank (recent file):

1. Palestinians throwing stones viewed through barbed wire

2. Palestinian youth throwing stones

3. Israeli soldier shooting towards Palestinians

4. Crowd throwing stones

5. Man throwing a fire bomb

Jerusalem, Israel:

6. File (June 1996) Benjamin Netanyahu waving to supporters at Likud victory rally

7. Netanyahu and former PM Peres shaking hands as Netanyahu enters his new office

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Labor party leader

9. Set Up Gadi Sukenik, political analyst, Channel 2

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gadi Sukenik

11. Ehud Barak, Labor party's number two

12. Cutaway cameramen

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ehud Barak

14. Barak leaving the microphones stand

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gadi Sukenik

16. (Recent file) Israeli cabinet meeting (recent file)

17. PM Netanyahu with FM David Levi

18. SOUNDBITE:(English) Meir Shitrit, Likud party member

19. legislators meeting

20. legislators

21. SOUNDBITE: Silvan Shalom, Likud party member

22. Hall of the Knesset, Israeli parliament

23. Netanyahu speaking in a Likud faction meeting

24. Likud members at meeting

25. Close-up Netanyahu - serious and then smiling

Arabic/Eng/Nat

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has welcomed the Israeli government's decision to ask the United States to resume its role as mediator in the Middle East peace process.

The Palestinians are hoping that Washington will push Israel to accept a troop withdrawal from the West Bank.

The former Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, who met with Arafat in Gaza on Wednesday, said he hopes it will go ahead.

The latest development came after the first direct talks for several months between the two sides in the peace talks.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres travelled to Gaza on Wednesday for meetings with Yasser Arafat on the latest developments in the peace process.

Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have resumed after they broke off several months ago, but no peace proposal has been put forward despite days of meetings.

The most immediate sticking point is the delayed withdrawal of troops from the West Bank which Israel is committed to under the Oslo accords.

The U-S has been pushing a land-for-security plan under which Israel would withdraw from 13 percent of the West Bank, in exchange for greater Palestinian efforts to crack down on Islamic militants.

The Palestinians have accepted the U-S initiative, but the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far balked at the scope of the troop pullback.

The Israeli position led the U-S to abandon its role as mediator.

But after the latest round of talks appeared to reach deadlock, the Israeli government has asked the U-S to step in once again.

Arafat welcomed the move on Wednesday.

SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)

"It is an attempt by them (Israelis) to return to the American way and we are not against it"

SUPER CAPTION: Yasser Arafat, Palestinian Authority President

Peres, who was part of the Israeli Labour government which signed the Oslo accords with the Palestinians in 1993, said he hoped the troop withdrawal would go ahead.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I can understand the nature of the decisions that both the Palestinians and the Israelis have to take. They are serious decisions. I hope they will be taken in the proper way and redeployment will take place."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, former Israeli Prime Minister

The Israeli government has a wafer-thin majority and is bitterly divided over the issue of the West Bank redeployment.

But Peres has put forward a plan in parliament to guarantee Netanyahu a six month parliamentary safety net if he agrees to the troop withdrawal.

More than a dozen legislators of the Labour Party have said they would agree to the proposal.

Gaza City, Gaza Strip, July 22 1998

1. Peres entering

2. Various shots Peres and Arafat photo opportunity

3. Exterior Arafat's office

4. Peres and Arafat walking towards microphone

5. Cutaway cameraman

6. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Yasser Arafat, Palestinian leader

7. Cutaway reporters and security

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, former Israeli Prime Minister

8. Peres drives off

9. Arafat waves goodbye

Hebrew/Eng/Nat

Prime Minister Shimon Peres has issued a warning to the Hezbollah that Israel has the might and the strength to sustain its current military offensive.

The strikes are in retaliation for Hezbollah rocket barrages on the civilian population living along Israel's northern border.

Israel continues to pound south Lebanon with guns and air raids, claiming to target strongholds of the pro-Iranian guerrillas, although most of the casualties have been civilians.

These chicks are the latest casualties in the war of rockets between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militia.

The hen coop situated in the plains near to Israel's northern border, was rocketed by Hezbollah as part attacks in retaliation for earlier raids on the Lebanon.

Hezbollah have also launched specific rocket attacks of their own targeting the civilian Israeli population living in villages along the border between the two countries.

One village repeatedly shelled is that of Kiryat Shemona - these residents were waiting for transport to take them down into the south to safety.

SOUNDBITE: (In Hebrew)

UPSOT " We are running away from the rockets."

SUPER CAPTION: Local boy

The village has come under fire night and day since Thursday.

This was the result of Sunday's attacks.

The army and security forces patrol the areas to make bomb sites safe and to warn people to seek shelter.

Many residents are determined to stay and local shop owners are bringing in fresh supplies for a village under siege.

There was a strong show of support from the country's leaders.

Israeli President Ezer Weisman toured another northern village, damaged in the fighting, meeting the locals of Naharya and offering words of encouragement.

At a meeting of the Israeli cabinet today Prime Minister Shimon Peres refused to end the military operation in Lebanon.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"The guns are to stop the firing of Katyushas against the northern part of Israel. We are doing what every responsible government should have done."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon including those in Beirut will not enjoy immunity. If Israeli civilian facilities are hit there will be no immunity from strikes on parallel Lebanese facilities. Israel is not limited by time and has the patience, fortitude and the ability to carrying out the required actions until Hezbollah attacks cease."

SUPER CAPTION: Shmuel Hollander, Israeli Cabinet Secretary

Israel says it will end the military operation in Lebanon if Hezbollah ceases war against Israel.

The armed forces continues to pummel Beirut and surrounds in an escalation of violence that is causing untold tragedy to the civilian population on both sides

An earlier strike Sunday by Hezbollah in the Galilee panhandle and in the west left one woman injured and many houses damaged.

Israel's attacks on the port cities of southern Lebanon have cause a mass exodus, many of the inhabitants fled to the streets of Beirut seeking safety.

Northern Israel, Kiryat Shemona, Naharya, Israel and Jerusalem - 14th April 1996.

Shots 1-10=Kiryat /11-12=Naharya/13-16=Jerusalem/Rest=northern Israeli border

1.Various of hen coop hit by Katyusha rockets with injured/dead chicks - northern Israel

2. Various of security forces on outskirts of Kiryat Shemona inspecting damage in field

4. Various of people in Kiryat Shemona seeking shelter and fleeing the village

5. Boy waiting in bus shelter with puppy

6. UPSOT: Boy in bus

7. People milling in street near bomb damaged country club - Kiryat

8. Soldier inspecting debris

9. Various of helicopters and damaged country club

10. Supplies being moved into stores in Kiryat Shemona - northern Israel

11. Israeli President Ezer Weizman inspecting damage in town of Naharya - northern Israel

12. Various of damage to buildings

13 Shimon Peres arrives for cabinet meeting in Jerusalem

14. Amiram Levin - Northern Israeli army commander arrives

15. SOUNDBITE: Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister

16. SOUNDBITE: Shmuel Hollander, Israeli Cabinet Secretary

17. Exterior of Peres' office in Jerusalem

18. Various of Israeli tanks on the border bombarding southern Lebanon.

SHOTLIST:

1. Various of Shimon Peres, President of Israel, with aides

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, President of Israel

"We are concerned about the government of Iran. The missiles are just one of those expressions of belligerency, extremism and danger. They say they will save the world with their uranium, but they are the master of all terrorist organisations in the Middle East. Why do they need missiles if they don't want to make a nuclear bomb?" (Q Would you like to take the opportunity to meet President Ahmadinejad in Copenhagen?) "I think I can give up this pleasure. I know his ideas and I don't think we have any common ground."

3. Cutaway hands, tilt up

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, President of Israel

"It's such a funny idea (to arrest Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni). As the British are saying, it's not done. I mean everybody can close his eyes. Israel has restrained herself for eight years in the face of ongoing provocation by Hamas. You know, people don't understand it. In those eight years we have lost over 2,000 lives. And now see, it's quiet while it's quiet. Because Hamas has stopped shooting there are no problems. Simple as that."

5. Cutaway hands

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, President of Israel (on climate summit)

"They need to save the land. They need to save the water. They need to save the quality of life that's common to all of us. And nature will not wait for all the political negotiations. I think there was already in the past an attempt at have an over-regional committee outside of politics, and I think the time has come to do so."

7. Peres standing with aide

STORYLINE:

Iran's latest test of a missile capable of reaching Israel was denounced on Wednesday by the Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Speaking in Copenhagen where he's attending climate talks, Peres said the test was an expression of the danger posed by Iran and proof that Tehran wanted nuclear weapons.

He also attacked threats to arrest Israeli ministers if they travelled abroad, following word that Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni cancelled a trip to Britain for fear of arrest.

On the climate talks, Peres said it was time to form a cross-regional committee outside of politics to deal with the issue.

"Nature will not wait for all the political negotiations," he added.

Interview with Israeli opposition leader Shimon Peres on the Labour Party view on the West Bank and Israel as a Jewish State and how the Labour Party would run the economy if it is elected to power next year.

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) ms Peres answers reporter's questions

Question: When you look at the relations between Israel and the United States and the United Nations vote and the subsequent affair, what do you believe has gone wrong with Israel's relations with Washington?

Peres: In democratic countries and relations you depend and trust completely words and commitments. Obviously the vote of the United States was a departure from the traditional policy of America and the promises given to us. The President of the United Sates has himself admitted that this is a complete deviation not on side issues, but on the major concepts of how to bring peace to the Middle East and what the result of these negotiations should be.

I am referring particularly to the issue of Jerusalem. There is a clear American form that Jerusalem will remain united with free access to the holy places. Then I am referring to the right of Israel to live in a secure and recognised arm race. There was never an indication by the United States to demand a dismantling of settlements and that there is a threat of financial pressure if we shall continue with the settlements. All those policies are a departure from American positions.

Question: What has been responsible for this? Has Israel done anything wrong?

Peres: You can argue with Israel, but to the best of my knowledge Israel did not depart from her undertakings. There is an argument about the settlements with Israel and inside Israel, but legally speaking Israel kept her agreements in letter and in content.

Question: But could Israel have done something in the diplomatic field which could have averted the current crisis?

Peres: On that occasion I do not believe it is the Israeli responsibility for this crisis.

Question: When you look at what's happened also in Europe, with Britain, France and Austria where the contacts, at least on the level of the Socialist Party, have been strong. How has Israel permitted this apparent deterioration of support?

Peres: Well it's becoming a tragic relation between Europe and Israel because if you think that in the Middle East there is just one side which has the equal interests of one side. I believe this will become an end to the European influence and contribution to the peace negotiations.

Question: When you look at the Peace Treaty with Egypt, the plans for autonomy have stalled and there are voices from Egypt of a deadline of May 26th being set and the various voices heard from Sadat and Gahli. Aren't you worried that all that has been said, all that has been achieved might just break down?

Peres: I believe there is a danger that an interruption in the negotiations of the Camp David agreement and the autonomy on that occasion, may surely create a real problem and an air of crisis. I think it essential to continue with the memorandum for peace.

Question: But can this be continued at the moment without more flexibility on Israel's part over the issue of autonomy?

Peres: The expression of flexibility will not tell the whole story, flexibility is necessary on both sides. We have some real issues and I believe we can find solutions to the outstanding issues. You see, the situation now there is two proposals, one is to start by relating the autonomy to the Gaza Strip which I would surely support. Gaza is less complicated than the West Bank and then on some of the issues I believe that by further negotiation, solutions can be found.

Question: Are you convinced the Egyptian's really do want peace with Israel in the current Israeli format and that the eventual aim is not just to reduce Israel to what some Egyptian's have referred to its natural size?

Peres: Egypt can hardly decide about Israel as Israel can hardly decide about Egypt. What both countries can do is decide on peace or war and I believe that after four wars, I believe that the Egyptians as well as ourselves have reached the conclusion that there is no alternative to peace. So I believe that peace is not just a contribution of Egypt to Israel or vice versa. I think that peace is an expression of a deep rooted and a realistic conclusion from the situation the two countries are in.

Question: So therefore you do believe that President Sadat really does want peace?

Peres: I do believe that President Sadat wants peace and they are very much the steps towards peace he has taken and I am convinced the same about my own country.

Question: You're the head of the Israeli Labour Party. Just how prepared is this party for new elections in mid-1981 if they go ahead as scheduled at the moment?

Peres: Quite well. We are not a green party. We didn't start our history yesterday morning. It is a party with a very long history, a very deep experience and an accumulation of human talent and devotion so I do believe in our ideology surely, and so I believe that we are prepared to perform correctly.

Question: How would you sum up the difference in ideology in the field of security, foreign affairs and economics from that of the Likud party or, specifically, the Herut Party that Mr Begin stands at the head of?

Peres: Number 1 the ideological difference is the relation between territory and the character of the state. We have some of own ideological commitments as far as the West Bank is concerned... Our position is very clear, we are prepared to return most of the land to Arab hands short of the strips of lands that are settled or are necessary for the security of our own country.

Then, again, on economy. Labour basically believes that money is in the service of the people and not the people in the service of business or capital. There are before us social goals, before us ideological commitments and we would surely run the economy differently from the way the Likud does as we did in the past. In actual terms, it means that while fighting inflation, you cannot put all the burden on the working people and to less on the people who became so rich because of inflation. We would share the burden upon all walks of life and starting with the better off. We would then operate on an agreement between trade unions, industry and government to freeze the very heated economic situation.

Film: Rev - Sound: Mag SOF - Colour - NYFilm: No - LN Number: LN19318 - Available in HD