Peres: No intention of splitting Jerusalem

SAFED, Israel, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday in Safed, Israel, that the country's government does not intend to split Jerusalem.

"The only thing the state of Israel must ensure is a Jewish majority in Jerusalem," Ynetnews quoted Peres as saying. "To the best of my knowledge, there is no agreement on Jerusalem, but in any case it is clear that the holy sites must remain under our control. Currently we all want a unified Jerusalem."

However, Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Wednesday that he does not believe Israel needs to retain control over certain parts of the city if future peace agreements call for such an arrangement, Harretz reported.

"There is no reason for us to finance refugee camps like Shoafat, and they should be transferred to Palestinian control," he said.

Peres also said in Safed he is hoping for swift results from Israel's negotiations with the Palestinians, Ynet said. He said economic steps are an important part of the ongoing peace effort.

"The economic process significantly shortens the road to peace and build trust," he said.