Praising Pompeo's Iran speech, PM urges world to 'follow America’s lead'
Delivering remarks in Hebrew and English during inauguration ceremony for Paraguay's new embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu lauds Mike Pompeo’s call for Iranian withdrawal from Syria, and imposition of devastating sanction on Tehran over nuclear program; 'It’s only policy that can ultimately guarantee peace,' says PM.
“President Trump has taken a firm position which we welcome against Iran. It was echoed by him, and today by the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. Very strong position: No enrichment, tough sanctions and Iran should get out of Syria. We believe this is the right policy," Netanyahu said during the inauguration ceremony for Paraguay’s opening of its embassy in Jerusalem.
"We believe it’s the only policy that could ultimately guarantee the security of the Middle East and peace in our region and we call on all countries to follow America’s lead here because Iran is an aggressive force," he added at the ceremony, which took place at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem in the presence of Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes.
The landlocked South American country is the third to have made the embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, after the US and Guatemala.
“We call on all the international community to join the US position. Anyone who wants to ensure security and to advance peace should oppose Iran and support the American position. That is what Israel is doing," he continued during his remarks, which were delivered in both Hebrew and English.
Addressing President Cartes, Netanyahu said: "Mr. President, you have joined the historic decision of President Trump. He has changed policy in fundamental ways, not only on Jerusalem but also on Iran.
"Horacio Cartes Jara, thank you. Thank you my friend for making this bold decision to move your embassy to Jerusalem. You said you will do it, like someone else I know, like President Trump. You said you'd do it and you did it. Thank you," he continued.
"Our friendship is expressed in so many ways. We recognize and remember the role that Paraguay played in saving Jews before the Holocaust, during the Holocaust, receiving Jewish refugees after the Holocaust. As it turns out today was not only a meeting of nations, it was a meeting of families and my wife's family, very few survived the Holocaust," the prime minister said.
"One of them came here, her father, my late father-in-law and another went to Paraguay. And it turns out that the distinguished delegation here, which includes the distinguished ministries and the ambassadors and others, they know the Tauber family. So first of all, I want you to give them my regards and second, tell them: Next year in Jerusalem," he declared, before later reverting back to the issue of Iran.
“If you ask most of the governments and most of the leaders in the Middle East what is the principle barrier to peace, what is the greatest threat to security. They would say three things: Iran, Iran and Iran,” he claimed, stressing later that Iran remains bent on developing nuclear weapons.
"If Iran wanted to seek peaceful nuclear energy, they would need not a single centrifuge. Iran hid the archive, lied about it, moved it from place to place, because they’re seeking nuclear weapons and conquest," he said in reference to a presentation he gave last month which he said was “conclusive proof” of a secret project underway in Iran for the development of a nuclear weapon.
"Thank you America. This is the right policy,” he concluded.
Pompeo issued a steep list of demands earlier on Monday that he said should be included in a nuclear treaty with Iran to replace the Obama-era deal, threatening "the strongest sanctions in history" if Iran doesn't change course.
Following President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the deal, the United States will ensure "Iran has no possible path to a nuclear weapon, ever," Pompeo said. As he called for a better agreement to constrain Iran's activities, he said the US would "apply unprecedented financial pressure" to bring Tehran back to the table.
President Cartes said during the ceremony that he was moved from the bottom of his heart to be in Israel marking the embassy transfer. "Once again, I'm here in the holy land of Israel to implement on the government's decision to move Paraguay's Embassy to Jerusalem," he began.
"The decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a gesture of goodwill to the State of Israel and is based on common values and principles we have shared throughout our historic friendship," Cartes added.
"Our 1948 UN vote in favor of Israel contributed to its establishment. Israel, as well as Paraguay, have gone through genocide and overcame it," the president said in reference to what is known as "Genocide of indigenous peoples in Paraguay."
"Out of our joint path and my highest admiration for the 4,000-year-old nation, I didn't want to end my presidency without a testimony to the great respect I have for Israel," he elucidated, adding that "Paraguay doesn't forget. It supports dialogue and peace between countries. Israel and Paraguay will be forever united by the ties of deep friendship."
