'Hamas wants religious hegemony'
Photo: AP
Assad won't pay price
Photo: AFP
Peres: Syria not ready to pay price for peace
Peres speaks at Saban Forum, says Syria wants peace for own interests, Hamas wants Israel's destruction over Palestinian sate, international coalition would weaken Iran
WASHINGTON- Vice Premier Shimon Peres spoke Saturday evening at the annual Saban Forum for Middle East policy in Washington. Among other things, he addressed the Hamas issue, Syria,
and Iran.
Peres accused Hamas of wanting religious hegemony in the Middle East, under Islamic rule, he also clarified that giving land for peace was not an option with Hamas, since he believes they seek Israel's destruction above all else – including a Palestinian state.
VIP Brainstorming
Yitzhak Benhorin
Iranian nuclear threat and instability in Lebanon – these are only some of the subjects high-level American and Israeli officials will discuss at third annual Saban Forum in Washington
The Vice Premier also gave his opinion on Iran, saying that Iran's powers is due to the international community's weakness. Peres said that an international coalition would shrink Tehran back down to size.
Peres Added that he believes there are more options for dealing with Iran than are known, including monitoring their long ranged missiles, imposing economic sanctions, limiting their oil export and even aiding to change the leadership in Tehran.
On Syria, Peres insinuated that Damascus is only interested in opening negotiations with Israel in order to open doors with the US without having to pay the price of cleaning out the terror headquarters in Damascus, ending aid of Hizbullah, and holding direct talks with Israel.
American and Israeli politicians and officials convened at the Saban Center in Washington to discuss issues in the Middle East including the Iranian nuclear threat, the situation in Lebanon including Hizbullah's threat to topple the Siniora government.
Also discussed the problems stemming from Hamas' leadership in the Palestinian Authority and the Qassams being launched towards Israel, despite the ceasefire.
The list of politicians and officials attending the Forum includes Former President Bill Clinton, presidential candidates Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator John McCain, former National Security Advisor Sandy Burger, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former head of CIA George Tenet, who was involved in much of the Israeli Palestinian contact made, and former President of the World Bank James Wolfenson.
Other Israelis participating in the Forum include Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Ministers Avigdor Lieberman and Mair Sheetrit, and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
