Peres: Keep Hamas out of peace conference

MOSCOW, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Israel would be "happy" to participate in a Middle East peace conference in Moscow if Hamas is not on the guest list, President Shimon Peres said Friday.

In an interview with the Interfax news agency, Peres said the peace process will be a long one.

Peres, who is in Moscow for discussions with President Dmitry Medvedev, welcomed Russian involvement in the effort to negotiate between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

"Why not? I am all for this initiative, but only in an acceptable framework, that is, without Hamas or other terrorist organizations," Peres said. "We will be happy to take part in such an event."

Peres also welcomed Russian ties to other Middle Eastern countries.

"It does not bother me at all that Russia favors some Arab countries and our neighbors. We want to favor them too," he said.

"We are not making it a prerequisite that friendship with Israel is only possible if there is no cooperation with the Arab world. On the contrary, we are for friendly and peaceful relations with Arab countries."