JERUSALEM, July 15 (UPI) -- Shimon Peres was sworn in as the ninth president of Israel Sunday, telling those in attendance his term would be focused on peace-keeping efforts.
Speaking before the Knesset in Jerusalem, Peres said Israel must not allow any opportunity for peace to pass without attempting to seize it, Haaretz reported.
"When opportunity for peace is created, it mustn't be missed," Peres said.
The Jerusalem Post reported Peres also said he would attempt to represent the interests of all Israelis as president, a largely ceremonial post tainted by scandal in recent years.
"From this moment I will be the voice and the address for every citizen of the state of Israel, for every baby and child, for women and men, for the poor and the elderly. My home will be open to all -- my hands will be extended to each and every one."
The elder statesman also credited Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, for his contributions to Israel's rich history.
Haaretz said Peres also made a point of remembering slain Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed in 1995, and the role he played in the nation's development.
