More Quotes
President Shimon Peres: “I know that both Egypt and Israel attribute great importance to peace and stability in our region, which serve the interests of all the nations in the region. …We hope for continued cooperation with you on the bases of the peace agreement signed by our countries over three decades ago. It is our duty to preserve and develop this for the good of both nations. The peace has spared the lives of thousands of youths in Egypt and Israel. Our obligation to the young generation will always be relevant. Unlike war, peace is a victory for both sides.”
Brig. Gen. Tamir Hyman, commander of the IDF 36th Division: “The events unfolding beyond the border increase the likelihood of terror attacks. That, in turn, necessitates preparations as far as infrastructure, training and deployment. Terror organizations may seek to exploit a situation of instability and lack of governability that may develop on the Syrian side of the border. Now its quiet, but we’re preparing for the worst-case scenario.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “We have congratulated President (Mohamed) Morsi and the Egyptian people for continuing on their path to democratic transition. We’ve heard some very positive statements thus far, including about respecting international obligations, which would, in our view, cover the peace treaty with Israel. But we have to wait and judge by what is actually done”.
“Today the EU has agreed that the oil ban against Iran will come into force as planned on the 1 July. This is an important step and one for which the UK Government has argued strongly. Alongside new US sanctions, which also come into force this week, these restrictive measures are the toughest ever adopted against the Iranian Government. They reflect the international community’s resolve, and our determination, to intensify the peaceful pressure on Iran until it starts to build confidence that its nuclear programme is purely peaceful.
Recent talks between the E3+3 and Iran on its nuclear programme were frank but difficult, with little progress made. Despite the negotiating powers’ best efforts in Baghdad and Moscow, the Iranian Government has so far failed to agree any concrete steps to address the international community’s serious concerns. It is not too late for Iran to give a more promising response to the offer of the E3+3, but they have not yet done so. The UK Government will argue for intensified sanctions over the coming months if there is no progress made in these negotiations.”
Source: FCO
MI5 head Jonathan Evans: “A return to state-sponsored terrorism by Iran or its associates, such as Hezbollah, cannot be ruled out as pressure on the Iranian leadership increases.”
Source: BBC online
Israel Prime Minister’s office: “Israel appreciates the democratic process in Egypt and respects its results. Israel is looking forward to continued cooperation with the Egyptian government on the basis of the peace agreement between the two countries, which is in the interests of both nations and contributes to regional stability.”
Source: Prime Minister’s Office