BICOM

Israel’s President Shimon Peres yesterday received a prestigious award from the US Congress and used the opportunity to express his hope for peace and the imperative to provide a global response to terrorism.

This is Peres’s final official visit to the United States, as he prepares to stand down from office next month. On Wednesday he met with US President Barack Obama at the White House while many other senior US leaders attended a dinner in his honour at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Yesterday, Peres became one of only a select few world leaders to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest United States civilian awards.

Speaking at a special ceremony at the Capitol, Peres said, “Together, we must fight terrorism, advance peace, and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.” He explained that “today and together, we must tackle the two monumental challenges we face: Terrorism and poverty.” Peres suggested that Israeli innovation and high-tech prowess could help deliver prosperity. He also said that, “Terror knows no borders and obeys no rules. It kills hundreds of thousands, and turns millions into refugees.” Because, “Terrorists spread danger over the entire region,” commented Peres, “The region must come together to stop them. The time is ripe to do so.”

Turning his attentions to peace, he said, “I hope that we will be able to renew peace talks with the Palestinians soon. Israel does not intend to rule over other people.” He called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas “clearly a partner for peace” while in contrast Hamas “oppose peace and support terror.” Peres explained that, “Peace between Israel and Palestine can forge a broader regional peace” adding emphatically, “Believe me. Peace is the most possible impossibility.”

During the ceremony, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor called Peres “an inspiration.” US Vice President Joe Biden said Peres is “a force of nature” and “a national treasure” in the United States as well as Israel.