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Israeli President Calls For Peaceful Iran Ties


Israel's President Shimon Peres (right) walks with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden before their meeting at Peres' residence in Jerusalem in January.
Israel's President Shimon Peres (right) walks with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden before their meeting at Peres' residence in Jerusalem in January.
Israeli President Shimon Peres has called for peaceful relations between Israel and Iran, saying the Jewish state is against war.

Peres was speaking in an exclusive interview to RFE/RL's Radio Farda in Jerusalem on March 20, on the occasion of the Persian new year, Norouz.

Peres said Iranians should not be worried because Israel has never had "any intention" to fight against or attack Iran.

Peres said Israelis had reasons to be concerned about Iran, however.

He cited threats by Iranian leaders that Israel will be destroyed.

Peres said Iranian President Hassan Rohani, who was elected last year, disappointed Israel when he failed to declare publicly that Israel is one of the countries that he wanted Iran to make peace with.

Israel has not ruled out a military strike against Iran's nuclear program.
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