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Israel: The Iranian People Are Not Our Enemies
[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs] President Shimon Peres - Israeli President Shimon Peres addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday: Over 60 years have passed since the UN General Assembly voted on the historic resolution that would have put an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Resolution 181 called for the establishment of a Jewish and an Arab state. Its title was: "Plan of Partition with Economic Union." It envisioned two states for two peoples, each fulfilling a distinct national aspiration. The Jewish people adopted the resolution and established the State of Israel. The Arabs rejected it and led to war. Gaps have been narrowed through negotiations. But peace is not just a matter of territorial compromise. Rogue politics reject peace even where territorial disputes were resolved. In Lebanon, we implemented Resolution 425. Yet Hizbullah paralyzed the country and cut the road to peace. From Gaza, we withdrew completely and dismantled our settlements. Hamas responded with a bloody takeover and turned the Strip into a base of rocket fire. They added kidnapping to bombings. I call for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit. This honored assembly should put his release at the top of its agenda. Holding a hostage in Gaza determines its isolation and further deterioration. At the center of this violence and fanaticism stands Iran. Its quest for religious hegemony and regional dominance divides the Middle East and holds back chances for peace, while undermining human rights. Iranian support for Hizbullah divided Lebanon. Its support for Hamas split the Palestinians and postpones the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Iranian people are not our enemies. Their fanatic leadership is their problem and the world's concern. Their leader is a danger to his people, the region and the world. He is a disgrace to the ancient Iranian people. He is a disgrace to the values of Islam.