Netanyahu: Iran engaged in 'subversive activities' in Latin America, world
In meeting with Peruvian president, PM claims that nuclear talks have already allowed Iran to escape from sanctions.
By HERB KEINONPrime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu meets with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala, February 17, 2014(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Iran is engaged in subversive activities around the world, including in Latin America, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Monday before meeting Peruvian President Ollanta Humala on Monday in Jerusalem.The two leaders met on the eve of nuclear talks between world powers and Iran due to restart Tuesday in Vienna.Netanyahu told the Peruvian president that a different policy is required than what is currently in place.“A policy [is needed] that requires Iran to stop its aggression, to stop its nuclear military program and to become a nation among the nations, not a rogue state that arms itself with nuclear weapons.” he said.The prime minister continued: “I think it is important for Israel, I think it’s important for Peru and I think its important for world peace.”Iran is believed to have bases in Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua.Humala, in his comments, spoke warmly about increasing economic and global cooperation with Israel, but steered clear of the Iranian issue.Netanyahu rebuffed comments Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made Monday. Khamenei said he was not against nuclear talks with Western powers, but he didn’t think they would lead anywhere.In response, Netanyahu said that the nuclear talks had indeed already gone somewhere, allowing Iran to escape from sanctions.
Netanyahu thanked the Peruvian president for supporting Israel’s recent inclusion as an observer in the Pacific Alliance, a Latin American trade bloc comprised of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica.Netanyahu said it’s beneficial for both Israel and Peru.“We remember that Peru supported Israel’s bid for statehood in 1947. This is a relationship with roots, and I believe it will have big branches in coming years,” he said.There are plans for Netanyahu to visit Colombia and Mexico in the spring, a trip that would make him the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Latin America.
