"If we don`t want foreign plans, the best way would be a plan of our own, and if we do that, others won`t go ahead with theirs," the Israeli president was quoted as saying in the online version of the left-leaning paper.
His comments were made during a visit to southern Israel just and came in response to questions about a possible initiative being prepared by US President Barack Obama, reports of which first emerged in the New York Times on Thursday.
Quoting unnamed White House officials, the paper said the plan, which was described in very vague terms, "could include four principles, or terms of reference ... (which) could call for Israel to accept a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders."
It also suggested the Palestinians could have to forgo the right of return to land they fled or were forced out of, that Jerusalem would be the capital of both states, and would also include principles safeguarding Israel`s security.
Asked to comment on the report, Peres said it was "all speculation" while adding that it was "too early to say anything" about a possible new US initiative.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to travel next month to Washington where he will address the US Congress to outline a new political initiative aimed at kick-starting peace talks and pre-empting a Palestinian bid for UN recognition later this year.
Following the breakdown of direct talks late last year, the Palestinians have adopted a diplomatic strategy aimed at securing UN recognition of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.
The move is expected to take place in September, when the UN General Assembly holds its annual meeting. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
