On his ten-day tour of Latin America, Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman has met with Brazil's President Lula da Silva. Brazil was Lieberman's first stop on his trip to the region. He will also travel to Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The trip will tackle a series of diplomatic issues ranging from economic cooperation to the Iranian nuclear threat. Lula da Silva's support has been openly sought after by both Israel and Iran. Lieberman declared that Israel wishes to gather the support of Brazil and other countries in Latin America against Iran.
"I believe that Brazil, more than other countries, could try to convince the Iranians to stop their nuclear program," Lieberman said after meeting with the Brazilian president. Lieberman added that Brazil's friendly relations with the Arab world and the Palestinians could give the country an important role in the dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians.
Brazil's foreign minister Celso Amorim declared that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would be welcomed to Brazil in August. He defended Iran's goal for nuclear development for "exclusively non-military" use within a "verifiable" framework.
Last May, a visit by Ahmadinejad to Brasilia was canceled at the last minute after protests from members of the Jewish community. Instead of joining international criticism of the recent Iranian elections, President Lula was fast to recognize Ahmadinejad's victory.
The Israeli foreign minister has also held meetings with other Brazilian officials and leaders of the country’s Jewish community. Lieberman said Israel's President Shimon Peres would visit Brazil next November.
Read about the WJC's campaign to Stop the Iranian Threat
