Peres lauds 'determined' Obama speech on Iran
Israeli president meets American counterpart after they both addressed AIPAC conference; on eve of crucial White House meeting, Netanyahu says he 'appreciated' US president's statements on Iran
WASHINGTON – President Shimon Peres said the speech Barack Obama delivered at the AIPAC conference showed his American counterpart was "determined to prevent a nuclear Iran."
The two met Sunday evening (Israel time) after addressing the Jewish organization.
Related articles:
- Peres tells AIPAC 'Iran must be stopped'
- US urges Israeli patience on Iran
Israeli officials: Starve Iranians to stop nukes
"A president cannot be expected mention dates, but he was very clear with regards to the steps. I was impressed by his seriousness, knowledge and honesty. He went as far as an American president could go," Peres said.
'As far as he could go.' Peres, Obama at AIPAC conference (Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to meet Obama in Washington on Monday, said he appreciated the fact that the American leader reiterated his position that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear arms and that all options are on the table in this regard.
"Perhaps more than anything I appreciate his statement that Israel must be able to defend itself against any threat," said Netanyahu, who is on an official visit to Canada.
In his speech, Obama said "no Israeli government can tolerate a nuclear weapon in the hands of a regime that denies the Holocaust, threatens to wipe Israel off the map, and sponsors terrorist groups committed to Israel’s destruction. And so I understand the profound historical obligation that weighs on the shoulders of Bibi Netanyahu, Ehud Barak, and all of Israel’s leaders."
Attila Somfalvi contributed to the report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
