President Shimon Peres on Wednesday 10 Adar 5773 held a diplomatic working meeting with US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). The two discussed changes in the Middle East, Israel’s relations with its neighbors, the importance of renewing peace negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority), the Iranian nuclear threat, and further strengthening the excellent strategic relations between Israel and the United States of America.

President Peres welcomed Senator Rubio and said, “We are a democratic island in an uneasy and uncertain ocean, which today is stormy. We have to defend our island and do whatever we can to calm the ocean. We are united around the United States, if you look for one subject that unites the people it’s the pro-American sentiment, for sincere reasons.”

President Peres addressed the issue of restarting negotiations with the PA and said, “If you ask me if peace is possible, there answer is yes. If you ask me if it will be easy, the answer is no. But we can and we must restart the negotiations.” On the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambition Mr. Peres said, “We must continue to intensify the sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program and make clear that all options remain on the table. We must also deal with the abuses of human rights of the Iranian regime against its own citizens and the citizens of the region.”

Senator Rubio thanked President Peres and said, “There is no more important relationship for the United States, perhaps in the world but certainly in the region, than Israel. It’s one that has bipartisan support and I’m proud to say that Republicans and Democrats are united on that. We remain deeply committed, above all else, to Israel’s security. Like every nation, like every sovereign people, the people of Israel have the right to be safe. The ties between the United States and Israel are unbreakable. Israel represents everything the United States stands for, a vibrant democracy.” Senator Rubio added on the issue of Iran that the United States cannot accept a nuclear Iran and that the United States is united in that position.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)