Peres and Lee on Thursday
Photo: Reuters
Protest in Seoul
Photo: AP
Peres calls for moral sanctions on Iran
In meeting with South Korean counterpart, president says UN resolution for new round of sanctions against Islamic Republic 'First step in right direction', but says additional steps are required, as Ahmadinejad is 'world's greatest corrupter of morality'
President Shimon Peres suggests imposing "moral sanctions" on Iran, and believes the UN Security Council resolution is a first step in the right direction. Peres said these things during a working meeting with his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-Bak on Thursday.
"Every long road begins with a first step," Peres said of the decision to impose a fourth round of sanctions on the Islamic Republic. "I am certain that Iran will try to belittle this move and I would like to believe the world will not allow nuclear weapons in irresponsible hands.
Protest
Demonstrators deface Israeli flag with palm prints stained in color of blood during president's visit to Seoul
"Ahmadinejad is the world's greatest corrupter of morality, and I urge the international community to prevent the dangerous combination of a man that has no limits and weapons that can cause endless damage."
According to Peres, who detailed Israel's position on the UN resolution, the sanctions voted on Wednesday are not enough. "I believe that additional steps are required, since that Iranians are behaving in an unacceptable manner and are stirring resistance both in the world, and in Iran itself. The sanctions should be accompanied by moral sanctions."
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to best utilize the raw potential in relations between their countries in the fields of economics, security, and technology.
The South Korean President told Peres at the start of the meeting that the two countries "share joint values, as well as a similar current state. Both countries have been exposed to threats, and they both strive for peace and security.
Peace dove in Seoul (Photo: AP)
"I know you have dedicated your life to bringing peace and security to your people. In Korea we also admire your efforts for peace."
Peres also presented to the Korean president an initiative to establish a research institute including scientists from both countries to cooperate in the fields of water, technology, renewable energy, and brain research.
Lee responded saying, "Korea has deep admiration for Israel. On the economic front there is a lot of room for cooperation in science, technology and other fields."
Earlier Thursday, some 50 people protested outside the Israeli embassy in Seoul, and defaced the Israeli flag with blood-colored paint and called Peres a "killer".
The President's Residence called off a ceremony at the Korea University for fear of riots.
