Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres responded to reports of Iran's development of the Shihab 3, which has a range of 1,200 kilometers, by saying that this development "does not make us tranquil and quiet.
"We regret very much the intentions and policies of Iran, and see that the liberal wing in Iran is losing its effect on Iranian policy. We hope Iran will come back to itself as a country of culture and peace," Peres said.
Peres, speaking at a press conference with visiting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kavan, described the Islamic Republic of Iran as "the mother of terror in the Middle East", according to The Jerusalem Post.
He added Israel is aware of Iran's attempts to develop short, medium and long range missiles, and are "contemplating the development" of a missile with a 10,000 km range.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister, Binyamin Ben Eliezer on Sunday issued a fresh warning about the "Iranian threat", following Iran's successful testing of Shihab-3. "We are on new alert about Iran's weapons program which constitutes a danger not only for Israel but for all the region," the minister said on Israel public radio.
"There is no reason to give in to panic (as) everything is under control. Israel and its army are very strong," Ben Eliezer said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
