BOCHAROV RUCHEI, August 18 (RIA Novosti) - Israel's president urged Russia on Tuesday to help prevent a new outbreak of violence in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters after talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at his Black Sea residence, Shimon Peres said: "I hope and I am sure that Russia will do everything to prevent outbursts of violence in the region, which are quite possible."
Russia plans to host an international conference to try and find ways of ending the confrontation between Palestinians and the Jewish state in the Middle East.
Peres also sought Russia's help in applying pressure on Iran to find a way out of the nuclear standoff with the country, saying the Islamic Republic was "the only UN member threatening Israel."
Israel and Western powers suspect Tehran of seeking to build nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. Iran, whose outspoken president has said the Jewish state had no right to exist, has insisted it is after electricity generation. Moscow maintains close economic and political ties with Iran.
Medvedev said the parties to the Mideast conflicts should give up "confrontation scenarios" and unilateral steps and adopt a calmer approach. He said Russia, as a member of the "Quartet" of international mediators in the region, would promote those goals.
"I have a feeling that we have opened a new chapter in [bilateral] ties," Peres said after the talks, while also urging more intensive cooperation in biotechnology and agriculture. He invited the Russian leader to visit Israel.
Medvedev agreed that the meeting was useful and helped "to better understand each other's positions," adding they would continue discussions at dinner.
