Daily Alert Archives

Diplomatic Officials: Iranian Overtures a Ploy

(Jerusalem Post) - Herb Keinon Diplomatic officials in Jerusalem dismissed reports on Thursday that Iran sent messages to Israel through a third party indicating a desire to talk. Even if the reports are true, one official said, it is clearly an attempt by Iran to improve its standing with the U.S. "This is a tactic used recently by Syria," the official said. "When the pressure is on from the U.S., make overtures to Israel." Another diplomatic official said even the "reformist camp" in Iran has shown no signs of changing either the country's position or rhetoric toward Israel. Reports of an overture from Iran stand in direct opposition to efforts by Hizballah not only to heat up the North and carry out a large-scale attack, but also to continue making inroads among Israeli Arabs. Iran cannot put out feelers for talks and at the same time support Hizballah's actions, the official said.
2003-10-31 00:00:00
Full Article