Peres to visit South America, warn of Iran

President slated to visit Argentina and Brazil only several days prior to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's arrival; will act to strengthen economic ties, warn of Tehran's nuclear ambitions

Amnon Meranda
Published: 11.06.09, 08:17 / Israel News

President Shimon Peres will leave on an official visit to Latin America this coming Monday. Peres is slated to visit Argentina and Brazil only several days prior to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the South American country.

The president will be accompanied by Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov, as well as the heads of 40 leading Israeli companies and representatives of Israel's security industries.

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During his visit, Peres will meet with statesmen from Argentina and Brazil, among them Brazilian Presidnet Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The visit's aim is to strengthen Israel's status in the southern continent, especially ahead of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's scheduled visit and his warm ties with Venezuela and Bolivia.

Peres will arrive in Brazil only days prior to Ahmadinejad's visit, and will have to face the latest statements made by da Silva, who said that Iran – just like any other country – was entitled to develop its own nuclear energy program.

Following his meeting with Ahmadinejad, da Silva said the latter promised him that his country's nuclear program has peaceful intentions, further claiming there is no reason to doubt Ahmadinejad's words.

As part of his visit, Peres will also act to strengthen the economic ties between Israel and Latin America, and will bring with him representative's of El-Al, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Koor and Rafael.

The delegation of businessmen will be headed by Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute Chief Executive Officer, Avi Hefetz, and Elbit Chief Executive Yossi Ackerman.

On his way back, Peres will "bring" along some 30 new immigrants from Brazil and Argentina, who will join the president and make aliyah.

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