EREZ CROSSING, Gaza Strip - Israeli opposition leader, Mr Shimon Peres, met Palestinian President, Mr Yasser Arafat, yesterday for the first time since his election defeat in an attempt to help revive the peace process.
Mr Peres was ringed by his security agents as he emerged from the car, but the two men shook hands warmly and smiled at the start of their first meeting since right wing Likud leader Mr Benjamin Netanyahu took over as prime minister in May elections.