English/Nat

XFA

Sounding resigned to electoral failure, elder statesman Shimon Peres said on Monday that his Labour Party should consider joining forces with Ariel Sharon, if the hawkish leader unseats Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

Peres is also considering this if Sharon proves open to compromise with the Palestinians.

In an interview with A-P-T-N the former premier and Nobel laureate says if there will be a chance for the continuation of the peace process, he doesn't see any reason why not to have a national unity government.

Peres added, however, that Sharon's previous positions and his reported plans to offer the Palestinians no land beyond what they now control - about 42 percent of the West Bank and most of Gaza - was not a basis for achieving progress.

Sharon holds a commanding lead in all the polls ahead of Tuesday's election for prime minister.

Barak's short term was plagued by a divided parliament divided among small, sectorial factions and split almost evenly between hawks and doves.

Peres, a leading architect of the 1993 Oslo accords that began the peace process in earnest, criticized the Palestinian rejection of offers tabled by Barak at last July's Camp David summit in the United States and in subsequent talks.

Barak offered the Palestinians an independent state in some 95 percent of the West Bank and Gaza, including a share of Jerusalem and the dismantling of many Jewish settlements.

But they could not agree on how to share Jerusalem, and the Palestinians insisted on the right of millions of refugees to return to Israel.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I think his (Barak) intentions were right. He couldn't have foreseen what the Palestinians would accept or retract, so he took a risk he went a very long way, but in fact the Palestinian side were late or blind to the offers."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Former Israeli Prime Minister

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I think that if there will be a chance for the continuation of the peace process then I don't see any reason why not a national unity government. If it will be a government without a peace policy why have it in a united why. Why have it in a united way? Why have a united failure."

Q: Do you think that a peace policy might be possible with Mr Sharon?

"I really don't know, I can't speak on his behalf."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Former Israeli Prime Minister

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"Well either the world will have to change or Sharon will have to change. It cannot remain as it is. The polls are showing that the support for peace in Israel did not go down. 69 percent in the polls say they are for the continuation of the peace process. So I imagine that Sharon will have to draw conclusions."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Former Israeli Prime Minister

Jerusalem - 5 February 2001

1. Set up Peres

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

3. Cutaway

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

5. Cutaway

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

7. Peres leaving

Eng/French/Nat

The former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres has called for a new international body to help the Middle East peace process -- a kind of "political NATO".

He was speaking after a one-hour meeting with French President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Mr Peres also said there was an urgent need to clear up mistrust between the Israelis and the Palestinians over peace negotiations.

And in the wake of the Paris underground rail bomb last Tuesday evening, he issued a call for greater international co-operation against terrorism.

In the bright sunshine, the former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres arrived at the Elysee Palace Saturday morning.

He spent an hour inside the palace, meeting the French president, Jacques Chirac.

Mr Peres -- who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 along with the former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat -- said that the meeting went very well.

He told reporters waiting outside that the mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians needed to be tackled for the peace process to continue.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"There is an air of mistrust which we have to get rid of, we cannot continue with the peace process without changing the climate."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, former Israeli prime minister

He stressed there must be a common policy and co-ordination between the American and European positions on the Middle East peace process.

SOUNDBITE: (English):

"What was done in the domain of economics should be done in the domain of diplomacy. Try to co-ordinate a common policy because it's unthinkable that in the morning that somebody from Europe comes and suggests a compromise and in the afternoon somebody from America arrives. It won't take a long time and you will find the Middle East negotiating between America and Europe instead of the Americans and the Europeans negotiating there.There is a precedent for this, I think what NATO used to do militarily you need today a political NATO."

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres, former Israeli prime minister

And after the Paris bomb this week, he had a few timely words to say on tackling terrorism.

SOUNDBITE: (French)

"We must develop international co-ordination to stop the threat of terrorism which has increased in many places without end."

SUPERCAPTION: Shimon Peres, former Israeli prime minister

Later, he told reporters that he believed a deal between the Palestinians and Israelis on Hebron could be made within several days.

He added that the last stumbling blocks in the negotiations were purely technical.

Hebron is the last town in the West Bank still occupied by Israeli troops. Under accords signed by the Israelis and Palestinians, Israel was to hand over Hebron to the Palestinian authority several months ago.

Elysee Palace, Paris, France, December 7, 1996

1. Wide shot of Elysee Palace

2. Close up of palace

3. Wide shot of palace, zoom to Peres and entourage arriving

4. Peres and group enter palace

5. Mid shot of interior of palace, Peres sitting with Chirac

6. Close up of Peres

7. Close up of Chirac

8. Pull out to both seated

8. Peres out of palace

9. Cut away to photographers

10. Peres and entourage leaving palace

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres

12. Cut away to reporters and photographers

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres

14. Cut away to media

15. SOUNDBITE: (French) Shimon Peres

16. Peres and entourage leave the palace

English/Nat

Israeli leader Shimon Peres says there's been a great deal of progress in the peace talks with Syria, currently taking place in the U-S.

The Israeli Prime Minister voiced his optimism in London, where he's been meeting his British counterpart John Major.

Major congratulated Peres for the successful handling of the Palestinian elections and spoke of the close ties between Britain and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres arrived at London's Downing Street on Wednesday to be greeted by the British Prime Minister John Major.

The two smiling leaders posed for pictures and shook hands before their talks.

Later they faced the media gathered in Downing Street.

SOUNDBITE:

"A word about the bilateral relations that exist between the United Kingdom and Israel. I cannot remember a time when relations were as close over a whole range of issues as they are at the present time. And I think a great deal of the credit for that goes to Prime Minister Rabin and Prime Minster Peres."

SUPER CAPTION: John Major British Prime Minister

Shimon Peres then addressed the subject of Israeli peace talks with Syria in Maryland.

SOUNDBITE:

"A great deal of progress was done the agenda is a very rich and complicated one but I am rather satisfied with the results of the meeting and I do not see any reason to become pessimistic but rather to maintain the optimism necessary for the negotiations."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres Israeli Prime Minister

As part of his two day visit to Britain, Peres will be addressing a group of legislators at the House of Commons.

London, 31st January 1996

1. External shot of 10 Downing Street

2. Car pulling up and Shimon Peres getting out

3. Shimon Peres and John Major greeting, shaking hands and going inside

4.Cutaway

5. Shimon Peres and John Major coming out and giving press conference

6. SOUNDBITE: John Major

7. Cutaway

8. SOUNDBITE: Shimon Peres

9. Final shot of crowd outside 10 Downing street

English/Nat

Israel's foreign minister, Shimon Peres, has been pressing for continued US aid for his country during his visit to Washington.

He met the Republican leader of the Senate, Bob Dole, and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jesse Helms - who's called for a review of American aid for Israel. .

With another round of peace talks in Washington planned for this weekend, Peres told APTV that the time has come for Syria to come to the negotiating table.

Bob Dole, leader of the U-S Senate, and Senator Jesse Helms, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, were among those Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres met on Capitol Hill yesterday (Tuesday).

Peres said that he believes Israel has made great progress in international relations - and hopes that Syria can now join the peace process.

SOUNDBITE:

"We have shown on three occasions that we are capable of making peace and making compromises - with the Egyptians, with the Jordanians and with the Palestinians. We are ready for the Syrians to do likewise - and they have to move. They should keep their opening position, we shall keep our opening position and let negotiations find a common ground."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

SOUNDBITE: "But, I think Israel had better be very careful - the United States [should] be careful to. In evaluating, let's see what happens."

SUPER CAPTION: Senator Jesse Helms, Chairman, Senate Foreign Rights Committee

SOUNDBITE:

"We have to agree with the Palestinians about a second phase, we have to add economic content to the Jordanian agreement, we have to continue and build a new middle east, economically, politically and educationally. And that's what we're going to do."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

It was on this optimistic note that Shimon Peres left the meeting.

With more peace talks scheduled to take place in Washington this weekend, Peres is counting on continuing U-S support.

1. Photocall: Peres with Bob Dole

2. Photocall: Peres with Jesse Helms

3. SOUNDBITE: Peres

4. SOUNDBITE: Helms

5. SOUNDBITE: Peres

6. Peres walks off

English/Nat

Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres says current peace negotiations between Israel and Syria are a golden chance to find a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Peres, at the end of a two day visit to Britain, acknowledged there's little time to make a deal with Syria before the October 29 deadline for Israeli elections.

He also spoke about the future of Jerusalem.

Speaking at a news conference in London on Thursday, Shimon Peres described his vision for the future of Jerusalem.

SOUNDBITE:

Jerusalem will remain religiously open and politically closed. In order to make Jerusalem open to all believers we don't have to cut the city in parts - we don't have to make Jerusalem into a sort of a Berlin.

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Prime Minister of Israel

Peres was, however, optimistic on the outcome of peace negotiations with Syria.

SOUNDBITE:

I think it is only a matter of time before we shall have peace with Syria and Lebanon.

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Prime Minister of Israel

He added that Yitzhak Rabin's assassination has been a great loss to him personally and Israel as a whole.

SOUNDBITE:

Well you know what I have learned after the assassination is that two people are so many and one person is so little. Clearly when we were the two of us we could have worked together much more assuringly. Rabin was leading and I was participating and we worked in a most agreeable conditions.

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Prime Minister of Israel

Time is running out to deal with Syria, but Peres said he believed Israeli voters will accept ceding the Golan Heights - Syria's main demand - if there is a secure deal over the frontiers between the two countries and protection of water supplies.

London, United Kingdom, 1 February 1996

1. Peres arrives to presser

2. SOUNDBITE: Peres

3. Cutaway press

4. SOUNDBITE: Peres

5. Cutaway press

6. SOUNDBITE: Peres

7. MS presser

8. WS presser

9. Peres leaves presser

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

SHOTLIST:

1. Shimon Peres and Russian Foreign minister Igor Ivanov enter the hall

2. Media

3. Pull out from talks around table

4. Peres

5. Pan of the talks

6. Russian Foreign ministry emblem

7. Peres and Ivanov come out for press conference

8. Media

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister (with Russian translation): "The Mitchell document creates an opportunity for peace negotiations. The document proposes the sequence of actions which is accepted by us. And with crystallisation of the world public opinion and others concerned we could back to peace negotiations"

10. Media

11. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Ivanov, Russian Foreign Minister: "Russia is ready to support any initiative accepted by the Israeli and Palestinian sides that would lead to cessation of violence and restarting the peace process"

12. Pan press conference

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister: "We asked the Palestinian authorities, first of all, to discipline their forces because some of the Palestinian forces participate in the shooting and the killing."

14. Kremlin exteriors

15. Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Peres

16. Media cutaway

17. Wide shot talks at table

18. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President: "We are especially happy to see you here, the man who is known in our country and in the whole world as a man who wants to bring peace to the Middle East and has done a lot personally to bring it about."

19. Wide shot talks

20. Peres

21. Wide shot talks

22. Media

23. Kremlin exteriors

STORYLINE:

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, who is visiting Moscow, has defended the latest Israeli raids against Palestinian targets, saying they were aimed against a mortar factory in particular and terrorism in general.

In a bid to lobby Russian officials for support, Peres met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and the patriarch of Russia's Orthodox Church, Alexy II.

At the start of Peres' talks with the Russian president in the Kremlin, Putin expressed concern about Russian visitors to Israel caught in violence, and urged peace negotiations.

Speaking at the press conference after a meeting with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov, Peres praised the proposals put forward by an international commission headed by former U-S Senator George Mitchell to end almost eight months of violence.

Peres urged Russia and the United States to join their efforts as co-sponsors of the Mideast peace process to encourage face-to-face talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

In turn, Ivanov said that Russia is ready to support any political initiative helping to establish peace in the Middle East.

Russia has played a small role in the Mideast peace process, compared with the United States.

Moscow has developed friendly relations with Israel after decades of animosity, but has largely lost its former clout with the Palestinians and other Soviet-era allies in the Arab world.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Wednesday officially welcomed Israel's president, who is visiting the country for six days.

Shimon Peres attended a ceremony at the Los Pinos presidential residence in Mexico City on the second day of his trip.

The aim of Peres' visit is to strengthen and broaden diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

During a joint news conference, Peres said he was "very glad" that peace negotiations with Palestinians had resumed.

"And we believe that we are really determined to wind it up," he said.

Peres added: "The Middle East will prosper if we embrace the potential of the new age."

"Right now the region is going through a transitional period. Transition is not a happy experience, but it is also an opportunity."

During his stay, Peres will also take part in the first Israel-Mexico Business Conference, which he will open with Pena Nieto and Carlos Slim, the richest man in Mexico, local media reported.

Peres will also visit the Mexican Senate, where he will hold a meeting with a committee and take part in the opening of a session.

AP TELEVISION

1. Tracking shot of Israeli President Shimon Peres walking with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto at official welcoming ceremony at Los Pinos presidential residence

2. Various of Peres and Pena Nieto

3. Cutaway of media

4. Mid of Pena Nieto introducing members of his administration to Peres

5. Various of Pena Nieto and Peres walking past honour guard

6. Wide of Peres and Pena Nieto at joint news conference

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, President of Israel:

"And now, we are very glad that peace negotiations were restored between us and the Palestinians. And we believe that we are really determined to wind it up."

8. Cutaway of cameraman

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, President of Israel:

"The Middle East will prosper if it will embrace the potential of the new age. Right now the region is going through a transitional period. Transition is not a happy experience, but it is also an opportunity."

10. Wide of Peres and Pena Nieto shaking hands

11. Mid of audience

12. Mid of Peres and Pena Nieto signing documents and exchanging them, applause

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. Opposition Labour Party leader Shimon Peres' car stops at entrance to Champs Elysees palace

2. Peres shakes hands with French President Jaques Chirac

3. Peres and Chirac walk into palace

4. Various of Peres and Chirac shaking hands for photo opportunity

5. Peres and Chirac walk out of palace

6. Chirac shakes hands with Peres' colleagues

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli Labour Party leader

"We had a good talk about what should be done in order to re-open the peace process. I mentioned it (road map). I said that every plan must have two considerations: one is with our other party the Palestinians, and the other is with our own people, because if you give you everything to the Palestinians you will lose the majority of your home. And since we have a plan which is accepted by the Palestinians, by the Israelis, and by the rest of the world, the road map, I wouldn't change it for something that may become controversial. I have nothing against the proposal, but if we have something in hand for the first time that all parties agreed upon, why give it up and why start again negotiations? Because the situation is already loaded and heavy and better to invest more energy move the road map than energy to develop another road map. That would be my position. I have nothing against it, but I think it's wiser to take something that created an agreement than start again to negotiate another agreement which I am not sure we will agree on."

8. Peres and colleagues get into car

STORYLINE:

Israeli opposition Labour Party leader Shimon Peres met with French President Jaques Chirac in Paris on Thursday.

After talks with Chirac Peres, who is 80 years old, told reporters he believed the road map remained the best way forward in revitalising the Middle East peace process.

He said it would be "wiser" to return to the road map than "start again to negotiate another agreement which I am not sure we will agree on."

Shimon Peres is best known abroad as an architect of Israel's Oslo peace accords with the Palestinians, for which he shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.

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

Former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres has paid tribute to the Moroccan king Hassan ll, saying he contributed much to the Middle East peace process.

King Hassan II, who ruled his North African country for 38 years, died on Friday of a heart attack.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I think he was a unique leader. You couldn't be mistaken about him - that he was a king he was a leader, that he knew what he wanted to achieve, that he was bound by a very strong tradition but was flying to a very high target. For almost 40 years he was one of the most outstanding leaders in the Middle East and all told was a positive contribution. We shall remember what he did and we shall miss his personality in the future."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister

Peres said Hassan was a moderate Arab who formed a diplomatic bridge between the Western and Arab governments.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"He worked tirelessly to arrange a contact, a meeting between the P-L-O and ourselves. I have been to his country many times - basically on a secret visit because he did not want to reveal ahead of time. I met with Chairman Arafat in Morocco in a time of crisis and he (the king) arrived at our negotiations and played an extremely useful role in it remembering his natural authority and his special position in the Muslim and Arab world."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister

Hassan ignored regional taboos to help bring about the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has decreed a three-day mourning period in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Tel Aviv, Israel - 24 July 1999

1. Wide shot of Shimon Peres, Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister

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

3. Cutaway

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

5. Peres walking away

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

T/I: 10:51:08

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat met with former Israeli premier Shimon Peres on Wednesday (19/11) to discuss the stalled Middle East peace process. Arafat said the talks had been "very constructive" and he paid

tribute to the work of the Shimon Peres Centre for Peace. He also denied reports that his health is failing.

SHOWS:

19/11 GAZA:

Car pulls up;

Peres steps out of car;

group into building;

Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres at photo-op;

CU Arafat;

Arafat and Peres shake hands;

Arafat and Peres walking;

Arafat SOT (in English): "It was very consistent and very important what took place, and we can't forget his strong support for the peace process. At the same time, we discussed the important role which has been played and is still going on at the Shimon Peres Center for Peace, which is a very important platform for peace in the Middle East";

Peres SOT (in English): "We think it is the duty of all of us to enable the Palestinian people to run their own economy in a responsible way, and really make a living and introduce modern technologies to the Gaza Strip, West Bank and other places";

Arafat comments about his health ENGSOT: "I am feeling well. I am in good health in spite of all the mass media propaganda against my health";

Peres and Arafat embrace;

Motorcade leaving;

2.55

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

English/Nat

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres says he expects no early breakthrough to peace with Syria.

Addressing a gathering of Jewish community leaders in America, Peres said President Assad had "divorced war" but had not yet "married peace".

During his week-long visit to Washington, Peres hopes to get assurances that the US will maintain its present level of assistance to Israel.

The Republican controlled Congress is determined to cut back the foreign aid budget.

Peres arrived Sunday in Washington with plans to meet top officials from the Clinton administration.

They'll be concentrating on new security measures for Israel in the wake of recent terrorist attacks that have claimed 54 lives in four months.

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will resume talks in Washington next weekend as part of the U-S led peace process - a process Peres says must continue.

SOUNDBITE:

"We fought five times in the Middle East. We won the wars. We never won the victory we wanted...to have peace. If we shall win this war for peace we shall not have another war. But we shall have, for the first time, a comprehensive, normal, promising peace for all of the people in the Middle East."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

It is reported that U-S officials are hoping to push Israeli and Palestinian negotiations on the issue of expansion of Palestinian authority on the West Bank.

SOUNDBITE:

"Some of our Arab friends are asking me occasionally if we want to be integrated in the Middle East. And my answer....that this is not a question. The question really is...if the Middle East wants to be integrated in the twenty-one century. The problem is not geographic but political. Either all of us will come in, in an entirely new age, or all of us will be lagging behind...spending our money and time and energies and means....for impossible and hopeless wars."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Israeli Foreign Minister

But in Israel there is still strong opposition against the idea of further independence for Palestinians - if the price Israelis must pay is more violence.

SOUNDBITE:

"The direction that a responsible government should go is to say Arabs 'We will pursue autonomy. We will pursue self-

administration. But not a state....not a state in Judea and Samaria. Autonomy yes....autonomy for the Arabs, security for the Jews. That's the package. Not a state. We will not allow you to put a terrorist army there."

SUPER CAPTION: Benjamin Netanyahu, Chairman, Likud Party

The P-L-O says security concerns should not derail efforts for more autonomy for the Palestinians.

SOUNDBITE:

"Some people are suggesting that we should stop this peace process and others are saying we may even have to back where we started. Now these are two impossible alternatives. They won't achieve for the Palestinians or for the Israelis any of the promises."

SUPER CAPTION: Dr. Nabil Sha'ath, Chief PLO Negotiator

According to the Americans, Arafat and the P-L-O have gained more control over the situation in the West Bank and Gaza and must continue to do so.

In recent days they have prevented two planned attacks on Israelis and stopped Palestinian unrest from flaring up.

1. Various wide views of Peres and crowd.

2. Soundbite Peres.

3. Wide shot of podium

4. Soundbite Peres

5. Wide view of Netanyahu.

6. Soundbite: Netanyahu.

7. Wide view.

8. Soundbite Sha'ath.

9. Wide view conference

.

Hebrew/Eng/Nat

Israel's Labour Party leader Shimon Peres called the growing political scandal a "major crisis" and said Netanyahu should call new elections.

In Gaza, U-S special envoy to the Middle East, Dennis Ross, refused to be drawn into the debate as he met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for talks aimed at restarting the peace process.

The police recommendation to indict the prime minister is unprecedented in Israeli politics.

If the attorney-general decides to proceed with a trial, Benjamin Netanyahu may have to step down.

Shimon Peres, the Labour party leader, said Netanyahu should call new elections.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"What emerged tonight is a major crisis in the political experience of Israel. Never in our history did we have something like it and subject to the conclusions of the attorney general if he will verify the accusations of the police I think we shall not have a choice but to go to new elections."

Q: What do you think prime minister Netanyahu should do?

"Well if the accusations are true he doesn't have a choice. He has to draw the necessary conclusions."

Q: Do you think he will do it?

"I'm not a great expert on him, so I don't know. Thank you."

SUPER CAPTION: Shimon Peres, Labour Party leader

The scandal stems from Netanyahu's decision in January to appoint Jerusalem lawyer Roni Bar-On as attorney general.

Bar-On resigned after only a day in office amid a storm of criticism that he was a legal lightweight chosen for his political connections.

Days later, Israel TV alleged the appointment was part of a conspiracy by senior officials who expected Bar-On to end the corruption trial of Aryeh Deri, leader of the religious Shas Party.

Deri, in turn, would ensure the two Shas Cabinet ministers gave Netanyahu the necessary majority in the Cabinet for the Israeli troop pullback from most of the West Bank town of Hebron.

The allegations overshadowed Dennis Ross's meeting with Yasser Arafat in Gaza on Wednesday.

But Ross wouldn't comment on the scandal.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"We've had a chance to have a good discussion, obviously we know that we're facing a difficult situation we're going to do our best working together to find a way together to move forward and there will be a continuous effort on our part to find that way forward. Thank you."

Q: Do you think your efforts to bring the peace process back on track are distracted by the issue of the Israeli police accusing prime minister Netanyahu, concerning the scandal of Bar-On?

"We focus on the issues of the peace process and the issues that are related to what's going on within Israel -- those are matters for the Israelis to resolve."

SUPER CAPTION: Dennis Ross, U-S Middle East special envoy

The Shas leader at the centre of the allegations, Aryeh Deri, refused to speculate on what action Netanyahu would take.

SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew)

"I don't want to talk in the name of or for the prime minister. (reporter's question) I can tell the citizens of Israel that they can rest assured that they have a strong prime minister, confident in himself, and that's all I've got to say."

SUPER CAPTION: Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas Party

But the scandal has rocked Israeli politics and threatens to break apart Netanyahu's already fragile coalition government.

Gaza and Jerusalem, 16 April 1997

Jerusalem, Israel, 16 April 1997:

1. Wide shot of Sheraton Hotel at night

2. Set-up shot of Shimon Peres

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Labour Party leader

4. Mid shot of Peres going down corridor

Gaza City, Gaza Strip, 16 April 1997:

5. Wide shot of Arafat and Ross

6. Close-up of Arafat

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dennis Ross, U-S Middle East special envoy

8. Pan of Ross leaving

9. Pan of Arafat re-entering building

Jerusalem, Israel, 16 April 1997:

10. Wide shot of street

11. SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas Party

12. Wide shot of street

SHOTLIST

1. Israel President Shimon Peres getting out of his car and shaking hands with Italian Premier Enrico Letta

2. Wide of guard of honour

3. Cutaway photographer

4. Peres and Letta

5. Pan of Letta and Peres walking on red carpet in front of guard of honour

6. Cutaway photographers

7. Letta and Peres

8. Close up of Letta and Peres shaking hands, pan up to faces and them walking away

9. Wide of guard of honour

10. Cutaway of Italian, Israeli and EU flags from premier's office in Chigi Palace

11. Wide exterior of Chigi Palace with security

STORYLINE

Israel President Shimon Peres met with Italy's Premier Enrico Letta during the first part of an official visit to Italy and the Vatican on Tuesday.

Letta and Peres held a private meeting ahead of the Italian premier's appearance at the Senate where his government faces the second mandatory confidence vote of confirmation on Tuesday afternoon.

According to his information office, discussions with Italian leaders would include the Iranian nuclear threat, increasing the economic and diplomatic sanctions against Tehran, European involvement in the Middle East peace process and strengthening the strategic, technological and economic relations between Israel and Italy.

Peres is also scheduled to meet the Italian president Giorgio Napolitano and new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, during his visit.

The Israeli Nobel Peace laureate would be among the first world leaders to visit the new pope, who took office last month.

According to the Israeli president's office, Peres plans to talk to the pope about peace negotiations with the Palestinians, ties between Israel and the Vatican, and improving relations between Christians and Jews.

Peres is also tipped to receive the "Medal of Honour for Peace" award from Franciscan monks in the city of Assisi on Wednesday.

SHOTLIST

1. Exterior shot of building with Russian and Israeli flags

2. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed by Israeli president Shimon Peres

3. Peres and Lavrov sitting at photo op

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Shimon Peres, Israeli president:

"We know that Russia is an important player in the Middle East, we welcome it. I do believe Russia can play an important role in the peace process in their own way, with their own philosophy and policy. And we are really looking with great interest both to hear the views of the Prime Minister of Russia and thus exchange some views, where are we moving."

5. Lavrov and Peres

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister:

"We will look for what we're discussing with our Israeli friends - how we all can make sure that extremists do not prevail and that the road to peace is not blocked by any interests which are not related to any long term destinies of this region."

7. Wide of photo op

STORYLINE:

Russia's policy in the Middle East will remain unchanged, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Thursday.

Lavrov who arrived Thursday in Israel during an official tour of the region met with Peres at the president's official residence in Jerusalem.

Peres commented later on Russia's important role in the region.

"I do believe Russia can play an important role in the peace process in their own way, with their own philosophy and policy. And we are really looking with great interest both to hear the views of the Prime Minister of russia and both exchange the views where are we moving", said Peres.

Lavrov said Russia would maintain its commitment to helping peace efforts in the region, and look for ways to, "make sure that extremists do not prevail and that the road to peace is not blocked by any interests which are not related to any long term destinies of this region".

Lavrov is expected to meet later on today with Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and with the Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni.