Brasilia: Visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres has urged his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to join the Middle East peace process.
"Come, President, and light the light of peace in the Middle East," Peres told Lula during a joint press conference here on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting.
In response, Lula said all countries in the region "can count on Brazil for the construction of an enduring peace, the positive repercussions of which will transcend the borders of the Middle East and will benefit all mankind".
The Brazilian leader, however, said peace will not be possible "without concessions" and without a dialogue among all parties involved in the conflict.
Lula will also meet Palestine leader Mahmoud Abbas and Iranian President Mahmoud Admadinejad here next week.
He defended his intention to speak with Ahmadinejad in the face of criticism from opposition politicians and Jewish organisations.
The Brazilian leader insisted that peace would only be achieved through "dialogue with everyone".
Peres lauded Brazil's "stance against terrorism" and said Israel is ready to resume talks with the Palestinian and Syrian leaderships.
IANS
First Published: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 10:02