Loan Adviser

Israel President stresses role of Brazil in pressure on Iran

His comments came just a couple of weeks of the visit to Brazil by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, expected to arrive at the South American country on 29 November.

In a speech to Brazilian Congress, Peres said that historically Israel and the Iranian people are not enemies, nor are Jews and Muslims.

However, he criticized the Iranian government's efforts to have nuclear weapons and its support for Palestinian militant groups.

I will not discuss in Brazilian territory with the Iranian president, but we think it is the policy of global risk, said Peres.

I can not ignore that Iran produces a nuclear weapon while calls for the destruction of Israel. That goes against the UN treaties and the right to live, he added.

For Peres, Brazil has a role to play in the efforts of the international community against Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran says is aimed at generating energy.

I know that Brazil denies threats of destruction, terror and refuses clear and positive voice of Brazil has a very strong echo in the world, the president of Israel.

I know that Brazil supports the peace process (between Israelis and Palestinians) leading to two states for two peoples. This, then, is the only alternative, he said.

NEGOTIATIONS PEACE

Peres used to invite Palestinians and Syrians to resume peace negotiations with Israel.

I call here the president Assad (Bashar al-Assad). We will now enter negotiations without further delay, without intermediaries, said Peres.

While we supported the establishment of a Palestinian state that has a voice against terror and destruction, the Israeli president also called on the Palestinian leadership.

I turn to my colleague, Abu Mazen (as is known Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) to continue with the peace negotiations. Israel has already warned he is ready to make difficult and painful concessions, he said.

(Reporting by Fernando Exman, editing by Tim Pearce Spanish)