Israel's President Peres dispels speculation he will run for premier in January elections

JERUSALEM – Israeli President Shimon Peres is playing down speculation that he might run for prime minister.

The 89-year-old Nobel peace laureate said Wednesday he plans on completing the final two years of his term. The presidency is a respected but largely ceremonial post.

Aides to Peres said this week that political operatives from various centrist parties have asked him to return to politics as head of a dovish bloc. Peres is seen as one of the few figures capable of challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January's parliamentary elections.

At a ceremony in Moscow where he received an honorary degree, Peres was asked if he would run.

"I've enjoyed serving my country as president for the last five years and will continue to do so," he told reporters.