Netanyahu: Iranian-Style Dictatorship Similar to Lebanon is Bad for Arabs
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he hopes the Arab Spring will result in democracies in the Arab world, warning that an “Iranian-style dictatorship” would harm revolutions in the region.
"If there's genuine democracy in the Arab world, in the Arab countries, then there will be genuine peace. Because a genuine democracy reflects the desires of the people, and most people Arabs, Jews, anyone they don't want their sons and daughters dying on battlefields," Netanyahu told al-Arabiya satellite channel in an interview aired Thursday evening.
He said: "If it goes toward an Iranian-style dictatorship, as it did, unfortunately in Iran and in Lebanon, then it's bad. It's bad for the peoples there, but it's also bad for peace."
Israel's prime minister turned to the Arabic media for the first time since taking office two years ago.
In the interview, Netanyahu said he is willing to negotiate anywhere and with anyone who accepts Israel's right to exist.
"Everything is on the table. But we need to get to the table," Netanyahu said.
"I'm prepared to negotiate with President (Mahmoud) Abbas directly for peace between our two peoples right now. We can do it here in my home in Jerusalem, we can do it in Ramallah, we can do it anywhere," he said.(AP-Naharnet)
Source: Associated Press
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