Shaul Mofaz Continues Threats Against Iran, Ibrahim Sorour says While Arabs want peace, Israel prefers war

Oil prices rise after Mofaz speech on Iranian nuclear weapons program

Date: 02 / 08 / 2008 Time: 12:06
Bethlehem – Ma'an –

Oil prices rose on Saturday, following remarks by the Israeli occupation government deputy prime minister, Shaul Mofaz, on Friday that "Iran will be able to produce enriched uranium at military levels as soon as 2010." Mofaz is also Israeli Minister of Transportation and responsible for strategic dialogue with the US.

In a speech at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy on Friday, Mofaz asserted that Iran was on its way to possessing nuclear weapons, and that this represents a threat to Israel's existence. Israel will not tolerate that threat, he added.

Following Mofaz's statement, oil prices in New York rose more than 3 dollars per barrel.

On a different subject, Mofaz also said that Israeli efforts to achieve peace with Syria must continue without pre-conditions after current Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ends his tenure.

Palestinian MP Sorsour: “While Arabs want peace, Israel prefers war”

Saturday August 02, 2008 05:46 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

A Palestinian member of Israeli Parliament, Ibrahim Sorsour, stated on Friday that while the Arab world is choosing peace, Israel still prefers the use of force and war. The MP also said that Israel must withdraw from Jerusalem if it wants peace.

The statements of Sorsour came as he participated in a Muslim event on Friday along with thousands of Palestinians, celebrating Al-Issra Wal Mi'araj (The journey of the Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings of God be upon him, from Makkah to Jerusalem, then ascent to the seventh heaven, where he met with and spoke to Almighty God).

He added that “if Israel believes peace is possible without withdrawing from East Jerusalem, then it is living in an illusion”. He added that “Prophet Mohammad’s journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and from there he ascended to heaven, created an eternal connection to the holy city”.

Sorsour also added that Israel is to be held accountable for most of the risks and challenges the region is facing.

Referring to the political situation in the Palestinian territories, Sorsour said the internal conflicts are casting doubts around the world over the Palestinian readiness to establish an independent state.

The Palestinian MP also called for early elections in the Palestinian Authority.

“We should act immediately and change this impression that was created”, he said, “This can only be achieved by early elections”.

The MP added that all Arab parties should unite ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Israel and called for unity among the Arab community in Israel and for unity between the northern and southern branches of the Islamic Movement in Israel.

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