Peres: Iranian people not Israel's enemies
President discusses nuclear Iran, peace talks with Palestinians in address to Mexican Senate. Peres arrives at Mexico with 80 businesspeople in venture to better economic ties with nation
MEXICO – President Shimon Peres spoke before the Mexican Senate on Thursday, addressing key diplomatic issues, including Iran's nuclear program, Israel's peace talks with the Palestinians and strategic, diplomatic and security ties between Mexico and the Jewish State.
The president urged Iran to implement the requirements set in the nuclear deal. "Iran has signed an interim agreement with the P5+1. Success or failure of the deal will be judged by results, not by words."
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Peres nevertheless stressed that "As far as Israel is concerned, we do not consider the Iranian people our enemies. We do not share a border. We do share a common history. It demonstrates that we can be friendly. There is an opportunity to solve this issue diplomatically. It is in your hands. Reject terrorism. Stop the nuclear program. Stop the development of long-range missiles."
He noted that "Israel like the rest of the international community prefers a diplomatic solution," but insisted that "the international community will not tolerate a nuclear Iran. No one threatens Iran. When Iran will cease to threaten others, it will liberate itself from the burden which it has brought upon itself. I truly hope that this deal will free the Iranian people from being a source of menace and will turn it into a contributing nation for peace. Only time will tell."
President Peres addressed Israel's pace talks with the Palestinian Authority, noting that bringing an end to the conflict with the Palestinians is Israel's greatest challenge. "We were not born to rule over other people. We have no ambition to control land which is not ours. We have shown it in fact when we made peace with Egypt and peace with Jordan. We returned to them all their land and assets which fell in our hands as a result of wars which we didn't initiate."
As for Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip, the president urged the international community to "call upon the Hamas in Gaza to stop terror and permit peace. While the peace process is difficult and complicated, we shall not give up. We shall not postpone it. We shall continue negotiations until a peaceful solution is reached."
President Peres, who had arrived in Mexico accompanied by 80 Israeli businesspeople, expressed hope that ties between Israel and Mexico continue to develop.
"Scientifically, we can progress jointly. In all domains – agriculture and security, industry and education, water technology – so to achieve economic prosperity and social justice. Globalization… opened unlimited possibilities. Neither distance nor differences should prevent us from making smallness great and greatness serving all people."
Earlier this week, the president attended a formal dinner held by Mexico's Jewish community and later on Thursday he is scheduled to light a Hanukkah candle with children of the Jewish community.
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