Friday, January 28 2005 18:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Indicating its reservations in accepting a "big role" for Pakistan in efforts to bring peace in the Middle East, Israel has said Islamabad cannot play such a role without establishing ties with the Jewish State.

"First and prior to anything, Pakistan has to decide to have contacts with both sides-and that's before playing a part in the Middle East peace process; it cannot play a role without having relationships with all the entities involved," Deputy Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres told Pakistan daily 'The News' in a rare interview.

Responding to a question about US President George Bush's suggestion last month that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf could play a big role in the Middle East peace process, he said Israel and Pakistan should have "a direct, personal contact, publicly, without being ashamed about it. There is no shame in peace; we should reach full normalisation."

He said if Pakistan could have diplomatic relations with India, why not with Israel. "If Pakistan and India can do it, so can Israel and Pakistan," he said.

Pakistan is yet to recognise Israel. Comments by Musharraf last year suggesting a review of Pakistan's policy towards Israel triggered a brief debate with hardline political groups specially the Islamist alliance, the Muthahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) opposing any link with the Jewish State.