An official says Israeli President Shimon Peres will host Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his residence in Jerusalem for talks – the first time a Palestinian president will visit the official residence of Israel's president. Peres spokeswoman Ayelet Frisch also said at the Tuesday meeting, the two will discuss “promoting the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.” While Abbas has executive authority over the Palestinian government, Peres fills a largely ceremonial position. Peres has promoted Israel-Palestinian peace for decades and won the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize. Abbas has come to Jerusalem a number of times to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert since the two sides restarted formal peace negotiations last November.
