(Jerusalem Post) Margot Dudkevitch - A senior IDF officer said Gaddafi's recent statements were not the result of pressure by the U.S. and the UK, but a strategic decision he made, one that Israeli security and intelligence officials recognize as being sincere. "He realizes that he will reap benefits from the U.S. or UK or others, and Libya will benefit in the long run. Gaddafi's statements transmit a clear-cut message to Syria and Iran, which remain the most threatening elements in the region, that the process is worthwhile," the officer said. Iran, Syria, and the Palestinians are the only ones left who continue to support terrorism, create safe havens for terrorists, and fund terrorist activities, the officer added. The war in Iraq, Gaddafi's recent statements, and sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Syria because of its outright support of terrorism has forced Syrian President Assad to evaluate his position in order to minimize risks. Assad continues to do everything possible to maintain the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in order to prevent the Palestinians from reaching an agreement with Israel. "On one hand he continues to support terrorism and develop unconventional warfare capability and at the same time he transmits messages to the U.S. and Israel that he is keen on renewing negotiations," the officer said.
2003-12-30 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive