BRASILIA (WJC)–Brazilian President Lula da Silva has rejected criticism over the upcoming state visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, saying all sides needed to be involved to achieve peace in the Middle East. ”
One does not build the peace necessary in the Middle East if one doesn’t speak to all the political and religious factions,” Lula told reporters during a visit by Israeli President Shimon Peres to the capital Brasilia, the first of an Israeli head of state to the South American nation in 40 years.
Peres urged Brazil to use its growing voice on the international stage to help curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for militant Palestinian groups. In a speech to the Brazilian Congress he attacked Iran as a “global danger” bent on destroying Israel.
Brazil has adopted a more conciliatory line toward Iran than Western allies, including the United States. Lula urged Western leaders to stop challenging Iran over its nuclear program and instead talk to it to foster peace.
Peres was named as an honorary citizen of Brasilia by Congress. “This title is a great honor to me and to all the people of Israel. Brasilia is the capital of a new world,” he said in his speech to Congress. The Israeli president will stay in Brazil until Sunday and then travel to Argentina.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress