JERUSALEM: Israeli minister denies allegations it was involved in an attack in Syria as "outrageous"

Record ID: 279860

  • Title: JERUSALEM: Israeli minister denies allegations it was involved in an attack in Syria as "outrageous"
  • Date: 28th September 2008
  • Summary: (W2) JERUSALEM (SEPTEMBER 28, 2008) (REUTERS) WIDE OF ACTING ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER EHUD OLMERT ARRIVING AT CABINET MEETING ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER AND PRIME MINISTER DESIGNATE TZIPI LIVNI ARRIVING FOR MEETING ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER EHUD BARAK ENTERING MEETING (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI MINISTER ISAAC HERZOG, SAYING "The last thing that Israel would want is an even
  • Embargoed: 13th October 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA6H5DJUHJ9Y5VH0J77S4239R09
  • Story Text: Israel on Sunday (September 28) denied involvment in a deadly attack in Damascus as "outrageous".

    "The last thing that Israel would want is an event of this kind in Damascus; therefore, the allegations that come up from various sources regarding Israeli involvement is outrageous. Israel is negotiating indirectly with Syria peace talks. I would just hint that in my mind, in my personal view, there are elements that want to derail this process, mostly Tehran, who feels that Syria might be moving towards a peace coalition in the region despite its problematic behaviour so far," said Israeli Minister Isaac Herzog ahead of Israel's weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.
    In Saturday's attack, a powerful car bomb exploded near a security complex in the Syrian capital Damascus and killed 17 civilians in the third major attack in the tightly controlled country this year.
    Israeli Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been serving in a caretaker capacity after resigning a week ago. He had planned to visit Moscow earlier this month, but the trip was postponed amid political uncertainty in Israel touched off by a corruption scandal that forced him to step down.
    Olmert's office said on Sunday he would visit Russia on October 6 and 7 for talks with its leaders.
    Israeli officials said at the time that Olmert intended to discuss Iran's nuclear programme and voice concern over reports that Russia planned to arm Syria with advanced missiles.
    Under Israeli law, Olmert will remain in office until a new government is formed. His deputy, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, was tasked by President Shimon Peres last Monday to form a governing coalition within 42 days.
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